Which assessment finding would prompt a nurse to wear a protective gown?

• A. Excessive wound drainage
• B. Fever
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Localized itching

Answer: (A)

Wearing a protective gown is about protecting yourself from contact with patient fluids. When there is excessive wound drainage, there’s a high chance you’ll come into contact with wound exudate during care activities, so a gown is worn as a barrier to protect your clothing and skin and to help prevent the spread of any pathogens.

Fever, while it may indicate infection, doesn’t by itself require a gown for fluid exposure. Bradycardia is a heart-rate issue and not related to barrier precautions. Localized itching is a skin symptom with no direct risk of contact with wound fluids.