Final answer:
The correct order for donning PPE for healthcare workers is to put on the gown first, then the mask, and gloves last. This sequence is essential for proper protection and to minimize the risk of contamination. Appropriate handwashing before and after wearing PPE is critical for patient and healthcare worker safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper placement order when multiple Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items are needed is: Gown, mask, and then gloves. To explain this practice in a clinical setting, we start with the gown because it is the first layer of protection that covers the clothing and skin against potentially infectious material. After this, the face mask is put on to protect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Lastly, the gloves are worn to protect the hands and to prevent contamination of the hands when touching potentially infectious materials and surfaces.
Before putting on these items, it is critical to perform handwashing, which is immensely important for healthcare workers to avoid the spread of pathogens. Moreover, the order of removal is equally crucial to prevent self-contamination; this typically involves removing gloves first, then the gown, and finally the mask, followed again by handwashing. Ensuring that this procedure is followed rigorously is key to maintaining the health worker's safety as well as that of the patients. This sequence may vary based on the specific protocols of a health institution but is commonly practiced across many clinical settings.