Which item of personal protective equipment should be removed first after interacting with a patient?

The proper sequence for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) after interacting with a patient is based on minimizing the risk of contamination. When gloves are worn, they are the first piece of equipment to be removed because they are the item most likely to be contaminated with bodily fluids or other pathogens.

Removing gloves first helps prevent any potential transfer of contaminants to the hands and reduces the chance of infecting oneself or others during the process of removing additional protective gear. After the gloves are removed, it is safer to then remove other items like gown, goggles, face shield, and mask in the correct order to ensure that exposure is minimized.

The rationale for this sequence is rooted in infection control protocols. While the other items such as masks and goggles are also essential for protection, they typically have a lower risk of contamination compared to gloves, which are in direct contact with the patient's environment and fluids.