In gowning instructions, which step concerns jewelry?

In gowning instructions, which step concerns jewelry?

• A. Take off all clothes except underwear
• B. Take off all jewelry (including necklaces and piercings)
• C. Put on gown with opening in the back
• D. Take shoes off

Answer: (B)

Jewelry removal is essential because jewelry can harbor germs and create crevices where microbes hide, making it easy to contaminate the hands, forearms, and the sterile field. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and piercings can trap bacteria and interfere with thorough scrubbing and proper glove integrity, potentially causing contact with sterile surfaces. By taking off all jewelry before gowning, the cleaning process is more effective and the risk of contamination is reduced. The other steps don’t directly address this contamination risk—removing street clothes or shoes isn’t about sterile technique, and putting on the gown with the back opening is about how the garment is worn rather than preventing contamination from jewelry.

Jewelry removal is essential because jewelry can harbor germs and create crevices where microbes hide, making it easy to contaminate the hands, forearms, and the sterile field. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and piercings can trap bacteria and interfere with thorough scrubbing and proper glove integrity, potentially causing contact with sterile surfaces. By taking off all jewelry before gowning, the cleaning process is more effective and the risk of contamination is reduced. The other steps don’t directly address this contamination risk—removing street clothes or shoes isn’t about sterile technique, and putting on the gown with the back opening is about how the garment is worn rather than preventing contamination from jewelry.