The practical nurse (PN) is removing the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn when caring for a client. Which PPE should be removed first?

A. Gloves: Gloves are typically the most contaminated piece of PPE. Removing them first prevents the spread of pathogens to other parts of the body or environment and reduces the risk of self-contamination. B. Cap: The cap is usually less contaminated than gloves and gown. It is removed after higher-risk items to minimize potential contamination. C. Face mask: The face mask should be removed after gloves and gown, ensuring that hands are clean afterward to avoid touching the face and spreading contaminants. D. Disposable gown: The gown is removed after gloves but before the face mask, rolling it inside out to contain contamination. It is important, but gloves present the highest immediate contamination risk and are removed first.