Final answer:
Additional PPE may be required when drawing blood in the premature nursery to protect the health of both the infant and healthcare professional due to the infant's undeveloped immune system and increased susceptibility to infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be necessary when drawing blood in the premature nursery to protect both the healthcare worker and the infant from the risk of infection.
Premature infants have undeveloped immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infection and complications. Therefore, healthcare professionals must use extra precautions and specialized PPE when handling premature infants. In addition to the standard practices used in blood draw procedures on a full-term infant or an adult, there may be a requirement for sterile gowns, gloves, masks, and even face shields. These protective measures help limit the exposure to any potential pathogens for both the infant and the medical staff.
In some cases, there are specific protocols for blood draws in premature nurseries. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of the neonates, considering their particular vulnerabilities, and are strictly adhered to by medical personnel to maintain the highest standards of neonatal care.