Sterile Gloving and Personal Protective Equipment - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering sterile gloving, transmission-based precautions, PPE, donning and doffing sequences, and related concepts from the notes.

Sterile field

A designated area prepared to maintain sterility during procedures; only sterile items may touch within it and contact with non-sterile items is avoided.

Sterile gloves

Gloves used for sterile procedures; single-use; available in multiple sizes; inside often powdered to aid donning; right and left gloves are marked on the package.

Donning

The act of putting on sterile gloves and preparing to handle items within the sterile field.

Powdered gloves

Sterile gloves with powder inside to facilitate easier donning.

Single-use

Gloves (and many sterile supplies) are disposable and intended for one person and one procedure.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional protective measures used for infections spread by contact, droplet, or airborne routes; requires appropriate PPE.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Clothing and gear used to protect the caregiver and patient from infection, including gloves, gown, mask, goggles, and face shield.

Dedicated equipment

Equipment kept in the patient’s room and used only for that patient; if shared, it must be disinfected after use.

Color-coded bags / Biohazard bags

Disposal bags color-coded or labeled for biohazard waste; used inside isolation rooms to segregate waste and linens.

Double-bagging

Placing items such as linens, trash, or equipment in two bags to prevent leakage and contamination.

Goggles

Eye protection that shields against splashes or sprays; outside is contaminated; removed from the back and discarded if disposable.

Face shield

Eye and face protection worn with or over eyewear; removed from the back; disposable or reusable according to policy.

OPIM

Stands for Other Potentially Infectious Materials; substances requiring precautions due to infection risk.

Standard Precautions

Baseline infection control measures applied to all patients, including hand hygiene and appropriate PPE.

Gown

Gown that fully covers the torso from neck to knees; fastened at the back; sleeves tied to prevent gaps.

Mask or respirator

Protects nose and mouth; secured with ties or elastic bands; fitted to the nose bridge and face; requires fit-check.

Goggles or face shield removal technique

Remove from the back by lifting headband or ear pieces; handle by non-contaminated parts; discard or set aside for reprocessing as appropriate.

Gloves removal (doffing) technique

Remove by peeling off the outer glove with the other gloved hand; discard; perform hand hygiene and then proceed to remove remaining PPE.

Hand hygiene

Washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; performed before donning and after removing PPE, and between steps if contamination occurs.

Donning PPE sequence

Order to put on PPE: gown, mask/respirator, goggles/face shield, then gloves.

Doffing PPE sequence

Order to remove PPE to prevent contamination: gloves, goggles/face shield, gown, mask/respirator; perform hand hygiene after removing all PPE.