124 Unit 1 Introduction to Healthcare Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Rationale Standard and transmission-based precautions re- quire that healthcare workers wear a gown when they might be exposed to or transmit microorgan- isms. The gown creates a barrier that protects the healthcare worker. Preparation 1. Select a clean or isolation gown, as appropriate. 2. Remove your wristwatch and jewelry. 3. If wearing long sleeves, roll them up above your elbows. 4. As much as possible, carry out procedures at one time to avoid re-gowning and unnecessary waste of supplies. The Procedure: Putting on a Gown 5. Wash your hands according to procedure to ensure infection control. 6. Hold the clean or isolation gown by the shoulders and out in front of you. The back of the gown should face you. 7. Unfold the gown carefully. Do not shake it open. 8. Slide your hands and arms into the sleeves of the gown (Figure 4.26). Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 4.26 11. Reach behind the gown again. Grab the open edges of the gown and pull them together so they overlap. Your uniform should be covered completely. 12. Tie the waist ties in the back using a simple shoelace bow (Figure 4.27). Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 4.27 Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 4.28 13. Put on gloves according to Procedure 4.2. This is always done after putting on a gown. The Procedure: Removing a Gown 14. If you are wearing gloves, remove and discard the gloves fi rst, being careful not to contaminate yourself. 15. Wash your hands according to procedure to ensure infection control before removing the gown. 16. Untie both the waist and the neck ties of the gown. 17. Slide your hands back into the sleeves of the gown. Hold the cuff of one sleeve with your opposite hand (still inside the other sleeve) and begin pulling your arm out of that sleeve (Figure 4.28). Procedure 4.3 PPE: Putting on and Removing Gowns 9. Place the gown around your neck so your scrubs are covered. 10. Reach behind and tie the neck ties using a simple shoelace bow.