Mask

Question 1

List the steps of the Mask procedure

Answer 1

1. Wash your hands.
2. Place upper edge of the mask over the bridge of your nose and tie the upper ties. If the mask has elastic bands, wrap the bands around the back of your head and ensure they are secure.
3. Place the lower edge of the mask under your chin and tie the lower ties at the nape of your neck.
4. If the mask has a metal strip in the upper edge, form it to your nose.
5. Perform the procedure.
6. If the mask becomes damp or if the procedure takes more than 30 minutes, you must change your mask.
7. If wearing gloves, remove them first.
8. Wash your hands.
9. Untie each set of ties and discard the mask by touching only the ties. Masks are appropriate for one use only.
10. Wash your hands.

Question 2

What is the rationale for the step “2. Place upper edge of the mask over the bridge of your nose and tie the upper ties. If the mask has elastic bands, wrap the bands around the back of your head and ensure they are secure.”?

Answer 2

Your nose should be completely covered.

Question 3

What is the rationale for the step “3. Place the lower edge of the mask under your chin and tie the lower ties at the nape of your neck.”?

Answer 3

Your mouth should be completely covered.

Question 4

What is the rationale for the step “4. If the mask has a metal strip in the upper edge, form it to your nose.”?

Answer 4

This will prevent droplets from entering the area beneath the mask.

Question 5

What is the rationale for the step “6. If the mask becomes damp or if the procedure takes more than 30 minutes, you must change your mask.”?

Answer 5

Dampness of the mask will reduce its ability to protect you from pathogens. The effectiveness of the mask as a barrier is greatly diminished after 30 minutes.

Question 6

What is the rationale for the step “7. If wearing gloves, remove them first.”?

Answer 6

This will prevent contamination of the areas you will touch when untying the mask.

Question 7

What is the rationale for the step “9. Untie each set of ties and discard the mask by touching only the ties. Masks are appropriate for one use only. “?

Answer 7

Hands may be contaminated if you touch an area other than the ties. Masks must be discarded after each use.