Sterile Procedures
LESSON 5: Isolation
5-2
5-2. SIGNS USED TO IDENTIFY TYPES OF ISOLATION
Concise information on isolation in effect is put on signs placed on the door of the isolation room at eye level. Some hospital signs are disease specific, and other hospital signs are category specific. The sign is removed when isolation is no longer required. A checklist is also placed on the door. This list indicates whether masks, gowns, gloves, etc. are required for persons entering the room. Any other pertinent information is also on this sign.
a. Strict Isolation.
(1) Visitors must report to the nurses' station before entering the room.
(2) Door must be kept closed.
(3) Gowns must be worn by all persons entering the room.
(4) Masks must be worn by all persons entering the room.
(5) Hands must be washed on entering and leaving the room.
(6) Gloves must be worn by all persons entering the room.
(7) Articles must be discarded or wrapped before being sent to Central Supply for disinfection or sterilization.
b. Respiratory Isolation.
(1) Visitors must report to the nurses' station before entering the room.
(2) Door must be kept closed.
(3) Gowns are not necessary.
(4) Masks must be worn by any person entering the room unless that person is not susceptible to the disease.
(5) Hands must be washed on entering and leaving the room.
(6) Gloves are not necessary.
(7) Articles contaminated with secretions must be disinfected.
c. Protective Isolation.
(1) Visitors must report to the nurses' station before entering the room.
(2) Door must be kept closed.
(3) Gowns must be worn by all persons entering the room.
(4) Masks must be worn by all persons entering the room.
(5) Hands must be washed on entering and leaving the room.
(6) Gloves must be worn by all persons having direct contact with the patient.
(7) Articles must be handled according to local SOP.
d. Enteric Precautions.
(1) Visitors must report to the nurses' station before entering the room.
(2) Gowns must be worn by all persons having direct contact with the patient.
(3) Masks are not necessary.
(4) Gloves must be worn by all persons having direct contact with the patient or with articles contaminated with fecal material.
(5) Special precautions are necessary for articles contaminated with urine and feces. Articles must be disinfected or discarded.
e. Wound and Skin Precautions.
(1) Visitors must report to the nurses' station before entering the room.
(2) Gowns must be worn by all persons having direct contact with the infected wound.
(3) Masks are not necessary except during dressing changes.
(4) Gloves must be worn by all persons having direct contact with the infected area.
(5) Special precautions are necessary for instruments, dressings, and linens.
CAUTION: Only hospital personnel who have been vaccinated with poliomyelitis vaccine should have direct contact with patients who have active poliomyelitis.
