🧤 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How many hours should I study for the MCAT each day?

  Aim for 4-6 focused hours, ensuring you incorporate breaks to avoid burnout.

• What is the best way to handle test anxiety?

  Practice mindfulness techniques, take practice exams under realistic conditions, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

• How can I stay motivated during the long application process?

  Set short-term goals, seek support from mentors, and reward yourself for small achievements.

• What role does exercise play in MCAT preparation?

  Regular exercise improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental clarity.

• How does King of the Curve help with MCAT preparation?

  KOTC offers personalized learning tools, gamification features, and adaptive question banks to help students stay on track without burnout.