🧤 NCLEX Infection Control: PPE & Isolation Precautions Guide
Whether it’s C. diff, COVID, TB, or influenza, you must know which type of precaution to use — and the exact PPE to wear.
NCLEX frequently tests:
Order of donning and doffing
Room setup (negative pressure, private vs cohort)
Mask, gown, gloves… when?
This King of the Curve visual and table will lock in the essentials.
🧪 Transmission-Based Precautions Chart
| Precaution Type | PPE Required | Room Setup | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Gloves (if contact expected) | None required | All patients; blood, body fluids, non-intact skin |
| Contact | Gown + gloves | Private room or cohort | MRSA, C. diff, RSV, scabies |
| Droplet | Surgical mask | Private room or cohort | Influenza, mumps, rubella, pertussis |
| Airborne | N95 respirator | Negative-pressure room | TB, measles, varicella, COVID (aerosolized) |
🧠 NCLEX Tip: Donning & Doffing Order
| Step | Donning (Putting On) | Doffing (Removing) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gown | Gloves |
| 2 | Mask or respirator | Goggles or face shield |
| 3 | Goggles or face shield | Gown |
| 4 | Gloves | Mask or respirator |
🏥 Special Notes by Type
Contact: Use soap & water for C. diff (NOT hand sanitizer)
Droplet: Mask when within 3 feet of patient
Airborne: Keep door closed; patient wears mask if leaving room
💡 Mnemonic: “My Chicken Has TB”
Used to remember Airborne Diseases:
M – Measles
C – Chickenpox (varicella)
H – Herpes zoster (disseminated)
T – Tuberculosis
B – COVID (if aerosolized procedures involved)
📲 Study Safety Topics with King of the Curve
🧤 Infection control flashcards
🦠 Transmission questions in QBank
📖 PPE simulations and mnemonics
Master this topic at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience
🏁 Final Thoughts
PPE questions show up on every NCLEX — and with this blog, you know what to wear, when, and why. Lock in the order, precautions, and examples, and you’re golden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.
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Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.
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Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.
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KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.
