🧠 NCLEX Infection Control & PPE: Standard Precautions Made Easy

From MRSA to measles, infection control is a core nursing skill—and a guaranteed NCLEX topic. You’ll be tested on:

• PPE sequences

• Transmission-based precautions

• Room assignments

• Priority actions during outbreaks

This blog covers:

• A KOTC-style visual cheat sheet

• Easy-to-remember mnemonics

• Practice questions

• PPE donning and doffing order

🧬 Types of Isolation Precautions

Type	Diseases	PPE Required
Contact	MRSA, C. diff, RSV, scabies	Gown + gloves
Droplet	Flu, Mumps, Rubella, Pertussis	Mask + gown + gloves
Airborne	TB, Varicella, Measles, COVID-19 (aerosol)	N95 mask + negative pressure room
Standard	HIV, Hepatitis, blood/body fluid exposure	Gloves as needed, goggles for splash

🧠 PPE Donning & Doffing Order

✅ Donning (Putting On)

🧤 Gown → Mask/Respirator → Goggles/Face Shield → Gloves

❌ Doffing (Removing)

🧤 Gloves → Goggles/Face Shield → Gown → Mask/Respirator

Use hand hygiene before and after all steps!

🎯 Mnemonics to Remember

Airborne = "My Chicken Hez TB"

• M – Measles

• C – Chickenpox (Varicella)

• H – Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

• TB – Tuberculosis

Droplet = "SPIDERMAN"

• S – Sepsis

• P – Pertussis, Pneumonia

• I – Influenza

• D – Diphtheria

• E – Epiglottitis

• R – Rubella

• M – Mumps, Meningitis

• A – Adenovirus

• N – Notifiable viral respiratory illnesses

Contact = "MRS WEE"

• M – MRSA

• R – RSV

• S – Skin infections

• W – Wound infections

• E – Enteric (C. diff)

• E – Eye infections

📝 NCLEX Practice Question

A nurse is caring for a client with active TB. What PPE is required?

• A. Gloves and gown only

• B. N95 respirator and negative pressure room ✅

• C. Surgical mask and goggles

• D. Gloves and face shield

Rationale: TB is airborne—use N95 and isolate.

🧠 KOTC Study Tips

✅ Memorize mnemonics with daily visual review
🧪 Practice case-based QOTDs in infection control mode
🧤 Use the KOTC animation bank to visualize donning/doffing steps
🎮 Challenge friends in “Precaution Blitz” for retention

Try it at kingofthecurve.org/studyscience

🧬 Before You Go…

King of the Curve turns memorization into mastery:

• 1000+ illustrated nursing cheat sheets

• Visual-first Qbank with rationales

• Game-based NCLEX prep

• Built for how you actually learn

🚀 Call to Action

✅ Test your PPE knowledge now → kingofthecurve.org/trial-sessions
✅ Download free lifetime infection control visuals → kingofthecurve.org/free-lifetime
✅ Play today's NCLEX QOTD → kingofthecurve.org/qotd

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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.