How do you use isolation precautions in nursing care?

Different types of germs need different types of isolation precautions. Determine the level of isolation precaution you need. The supplies needed for precaution include gloves, masks, goggles, gowns and shoe covers.

1. Use personal protective equipment

   Cover your hands with gloves before coming into contact with blood, bodily fluids, bodily tissues or other open areas of the body.

2. Cover your clothing with a gown

   Wrap a clean isolation gown around your body, completely covering your clothing. The gown protects your clothing from splashes of fluids that can transmit germs.

3. Protect your eyes

   Use protective eye covering, such as goggles or glasses, to prevent bodily fluids or tissues from entering the eyes. Your eye covering should protect both the fronts and sides of your eyes.

4. Cover your shoes

   Place protective coverings over your shoes. Shoes should be completely covered, including the top and bottom. Shoes can carry germs that are splashed onto them or that are picked up by walking on the floor.

5. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask

   Cover your mouth and nose completely by using a surgical mask. A surgical mask keeps germs from entering your body through your nose or mouth and keeps your airborne germs away from your patient.

6. Disinfect

   Wash your hands with a germ-killing soap after you leave the isolation area. Wash and disinfect any objects that were in the area of isolation.