Definition
Applying a mask and sterile gown is a critical part of maintaining aseptic technique in surgical and sterile procedures. It protects both the patient and healthcare provider from cross-contamination.
Purposes
- To prevent dispersal of droplets from wearer to environment and patient.
- To prevent contamination of sterile field.
- To enhance easy handling of sterile equipment.
Articles Required
- Articles for surgical hand washing.
- Sterile Cheatle forceps in a container of disinfectant solution.
- Sterile drums containing sterile re-usable gowns or disposable gowns.
- Disposable mask.
Procedures
Masking
| SL No | Nursing Action | Rationale |
| 1 | After performing surgical hand washing take the sterile mask handed to you by the circulating nurse. Hold it by the top two strings, keeping the top edge above bridge of nose. | |
| 2 | The both top strings at back of head above ears. | |
| 3 | Tie the two lower strings snugly around neck well under the chin. | |
| 4 | Gently pinch upper portion of the mask around the bridge of nose. | Ensure proper fitting. |
Gowning
| SL No. | Nursing Action | Rationale |
| 1 | Grasp the sterile gown at the crease near the neck, hold it away from yourself and permit it to unfold freely without touching anything including the uniform. | Prevents gown from becoming unsterile. |
| 2 | Hold the gown at the shoulder level from inside and put each hand directly into the armhole. | Protects the outer portion of gown from contamination. |
| 3 | Extend the arms and hold hand upward at shoulder level while putting through the armhole. | |
| 4 | The circulating nurse pulls back the gown from inside. So that the upper limbs go into the sleeves. The circulating nurse ties the gown from the back. | Prevents contamination of the outer portion of gown. |
| 5 | The waist ties are loosened by the scrub nurse and flap is brought around the waist by the use of Cheatle forceps held by the circulating nurse and it is tied. | The waist flap covers the back, preventing contamination of the area when turning around. |
Removal /Doffing of gown and Mask
| Sl no. | Nursing Action | Rationale |
| Gown | ||
| 1 | Untie strings at the back of the gown. Remove gown, folding inside out to cover outside of gown. | Prevents contact with contaminated portion of gown. |
| 2 | Dispose gown in to designated receptacle | |
| Mask | ||
| 1 | Wash hands. Untie the lower strings first, then the top strings and pull mask away from face. | Avoids contact of the contaminated portion of mask to our body. |
| 2 | Hold mask by strings and discard into appropriate receptacle. |
Special Considerations
- Never touch the front of the mask or gown once donned
- Replace mask if it becomes moist or soiled
- Use Cheatle forceps to handle sterile gown ties if needed
- Ensure proper fit to avoid fogging of eyewear or mask slippage
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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