Required Personal Protective Equipment for IV Chemotherapy Administration
A nurse administering intravenous chemotherapy should wear chemotherapy gloves, impervious gown, and eye protection to ensure proper protection against hazardous drug exposure.
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
Required PPE:
- Chemotherapy gloves - Specialized gloves designed to protect against hazardous drugs are essential when administering IV chemotherapy 1, 2
- Impervious gown - A fluid-resistant gown that covers personal clothing and skin is required to prevent contamination from splashes or spills 1, 3
- Eye protection - Protective eyewear or face shield should be worn to protect mucous membranes of the eyes from potential splashes 4
Not Required for Standard IV Chemotherapy Administration:
- N95 respirator - Standard surgical masks are sufficient unless aerosolization is expected 4
- Shoe covers - Not routinely required for IV chemotherapy administration 2, 3
Evidence-Based Rationale
Glove Requirements
- Chemotherapy-specific gloves should be worn whenever there is potential for contact with hazardous drugs 4
- Single gloves are the minimum requirement, though double-gloving is recommended for higher protection 1, 2
- Studies show that while glove use has improved (95-100% compliance), proper gown use remains suboptimal (50-65%) 2
Gown Requirements
- Gowns must be impervious/fluid-resistant to prevent seepage of hazardous drugs through the material 4
- The gown should cover the torso and arms completely to protect skin and clothing 4
- Only 50% of nurses reported using gowns during drug administration despite safety recommendations 2
Eye Protection
- Eye protection is essential as chemotherapy agents can cause serious damage to mucous membranes 4
- Face shields or protective eyewear with solid side shields are recommended to protect against splashes 4
Common Pitfalls in PPE Use
- Inadequate gown use: Many nurses (38-42%) report never using gowns when administering chemotherapy, significantly increasing exposure risk 1
- Improper glove selection: Regular examination gloves do not provide adequate protection against chemotherapy drugs 2
- Reusing disposable PPE: All PPE should be considered single-use items and disposed of properly after each patient or procedure 4
- Removing PPE in incorrect order: Proper sequence for removal prevents contamination (gloves first, followed by eye protection, then gown) 4
Implementation Considerations
- All PPE should be readily available in appropriate sizes in areas where chemotherapy is administered 4
- PPE should be put on immediately before handling chemotherapy and removed immediately after completion 4
- Hands should be washed before donning and after removing gloves 4
- All used PPE should be disposed of as hazardous waste according to institutional policies 3