Skill 70

Sterile Technique

Donning and Removing Cap, Mask, and Protective Eyewear

Although masks and caps are usually worn in surgical procedure areas (e.g., the operating room [OR]), there are certain aseptic procedures performed at a patient’s bedside that also might require these barriers. For example, it may be agency policy for a nurse to wear a mask during the changing of a central line dressing or insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). When there is a risk for splattering of blood or body fluid, there is also the need to apply protective eyewear.

Delegation Considerations

The skill of applying and removing cap, mask, and protective eyewear is required of all caregivers when working in sterile areas. However, the procedures performed at a patient’s bedside that require cap and mask generally cannot be delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). The nurse determines if protective barriers are necessary for the other staff. The nurse instructs the NAP about:

▪ The procedure to be performed and how to assist with positioning and obtaining supplies.

▪ Performing hand hygiene after glove removal.