Which step is part of the PPE donning process?

• A. Remove gloves first
• B. Put on gloves after finishing care
• C. Put on gloves last
• D. Skip eye protection

Answer: (C)

The step being tested is about the order of putting on PPE to create a continuous protective barrier. Gloves are put on last so that the gown, mask or respirator, and eye protection can be worn first without contaminating the hands, and so the glove cuffs can extend over the gown sleeves for a complete seal. Wearing gloves last also helps prevent touching clean areas with contaminated surfaces while donning the rest of the equipment, reducing the risk of self-contamination.

Thinking through the other options helps see why they don’t fit: putting on gloves first would risk contaminating the gloves when you handle the gown and eye protection; putting on gloves after finishing care would leave you unprotected during care; skipping eye protection leaves your mucous membranes vulnerable to splashes or droplets.