When putting on personal protective equipment (PPE), where is the correct location?

The correct location for putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) is indeed outside the patient's room. This practice is essential to ensure that the healthcare worker does not inadvertently contaminate the environment or themselves before entering an area that requires heightened precautions due to the presence of infectious agents.

Donning PPE outside the room allows the healthcare provider to properly equip themselves while minimizing the risk of spreading pathogens. This location ensures that all necessary protective gear is applied correctly, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and face shields, before any contact with the patient or the patient’s surroundings occurs.

Additionally, putting on PPE in the supply closet or nurse's station could lead to contamination of those areas. Being in the patient's room may also compromise the sterility of the environment before proper protection is in place. Therefore, donning PPE outside the room effectively minimizes infection risk for both the healthcare provider and the patient.