For MRSA direct contact precautions, which statement accurately reflects PPE removal practice?

• A. Reuse PPE without removal.
• B. Remove PPE before leaving the room.
• C. Remove PPE after leaving the room.
• D. Doff PPE in the hallway.

Answer: (B)

Direct contact precautions rely on keeping contaminated PPE with MRSA contained as you move from the patient’s room to cleaner areas. The key practice is to remove all used PPE before leaving the room and perform hand hygiene, so you don’t carry pathogens into hallways or other patients’ spaces. This minimizes the chance of spreading MRSA via surfaces, clothing, or hands.

Removing PPE after you’ve left the room or doffing in the hallway would allow contaminated material to escape into shared spaces, increasing transmission risk. Reusing PPE without removing it is not safe because the apparel and gloves are still contaminated.