A client has been diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) will you need to put on when preparing to assess the client? Select all that apply
A. Goggles
B. Gown
C. Gloves
D. Shoe covers
E. N95 respirator
F. Surgical face mask
Correct Answer: B, C, & E
Because herpes zoster is spread through airborne means and by direct contact with the lesions, you should wear an N95 respirator or high-efficiency particulate air filter respirator, a gown, and gloves.
Option A: Goggles are not needed for airborne or contact precautions. Wear a surgical mask and goggles or face shield if there is a reasonable chance that a splash or spray of blood or body fluids may occur to the eyes, mouth, or nose.
Option B: Wear a gown if skin or clothing is likely to be exposed to blood or body fluids. If PPE or other disposable items are saturated with blood or body fluids such that fluid may be poured, squeezed, or dripped from the item, discard into a biohazard bag. PPE that is not saturated may be placed directly in the trash.
Option C: Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, and contaminated items. Remove PPE immediately after use and wash hands. It is important to remove PPE in the proper order to prevent contamination of skin or clothing.
Option D: Wear shoe covers to provide a barrier against possible exposure to airborne organisms or contact with a contaminated environment. Shoe covers should also be worn as part of Full Barrier Precautions. Full Barrier Precautions are the combination of airborne and contact precautions, plus eye protection, in addition to standard precautions.
Option E: Put on a NIOSH-certified fit-tested N-95 respirator just before entry to an area of shared air space and wear at all times while in the area of shared air space. Remove and discard the respirator just after exiting the area. The respirator may be discarded into the regular trash unless contact precautions must also be followed. In this case, place the respirator in a plastic zip-lock bag, seal and then discard into the trash.
Option F: Surgical face mask filters only large particles and will not provide protection from herpes zoster. Airborne and contact precautions until disseminated infection is ruled out. Airborne and contact precautions until lesions are dry and crusted.