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Mask and Eye-Face Protection Selection

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Mask and Eye-Face Protection Selection

Key Points

  • Surgical masks are selected for droplet-risk care and selected immunocompromised care contexts.
  • N95 respirators are selected for airborne-particle protection and require tight fit and fit-check.
  • Goggles and face shields protect eyes, nose, and mouth membranes during splash-risk procedures.
  • Add eye protection when within about 6 feet of a coughing patient or during spray/splash-risk tasks.
  • Single-use medical masks are replaced when damp or soiled and removed by ear loops/ties because the front surface is treated as contaminated.

Equipment

  • Surgical masks and N95 respirator supply
  • Goggles that fit snugly around the eyes
  • Face shields that cover forehead, extend below chin, and wrap laterally
  • Unit policy references for standard and transmission-based precautions

Procedure Steps

  1. Identify expected exposure route before care: droplet, airborne, or splash/body-fluid hazard.
  2. Select surgical mask for droplet situations, close-range care of coughing patients, and appropriate immunocompromised-care masking needs per policy.
  3. Select N95 respirator when airborne-particle protection is required.
  4. Confirm N95 fit and perform fit-check before exposure-risk entry.
  5. Add goggles or face shield when splash risk to eyes, nose, or mouth is present, including close-range care of actively coughing patients.
  6. Verify chosen eye/face barrier provides appropriate coverage, stable fit, and adequate visual acuity (prescription eyeglasses may be worn underneath).
  7. Clean reusable eye protection before reuse according to policy, and discard disposable eye protection after use.
  8. Ensure mask fit covers nose bridge, mouth, and under chin with minimal side leakage.
  9. Replace any single-use mask that becomes damp or soiled because barrier integrity declines.
  10. When doffing, remove by ear loops or ties without touching the front and discard in appropriate receptacle.
  11. Reassess selection if patient condition, procedure type, or isolation order changes.
  12. Document PPE rationale for high-risk encounters when local protocol requires.

Common Errors

  • Using surgical mask in airborne-risk context → inadequate respiratory protection.
  • Omitting eye/face barrier during splash-risk care → mucous membrane exposure risk.
  • Continuing to use a wet mask → reduced protective integrity.
  • Skipping fit-check before N95 use → unrecognized seal failure.
  • Touching the front of the mask during removal → self-contamination risk.

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