Which safety measure should the nurse implement while preparing an IV infusion of chemotherapy?

Wearing gloves and a gown is essential when preparing an intravenous infusion of chemotherapy due to the hazardous nature of these agents. Chemotherapy drugs are classified as cytotoxic, meaning they can have harmful effects on both the patient and healthcare providers if proper precautions are not followed.

Gloves serve as a fundamental barrier to protect the nurse's skin from direct contact with the chemotherapy solution, which can cause skin irritation, burns, or systemic toxicity. However, gloves alone are not sufficient protection, as chemotherapy drugs can also be absorbed through the skin or may aerosolize during preparation, potentially leading to inhalation exposure. A gown, typically made of protective material, offers an additional layer of safety, especially in the case of spills or splashes, thus protecting the body and clothing from contamination.

This combination of gloves and gown ensures compliance with the established safety protocols for handling hazardous materials in clinical settings. In contrast, relying solely on gloves does not adequately address the risk of exposure to other body areas or clothing. Additionally, preparing chemotherapy infusions requires a clean and controlled environment; therefore, preparing in a non-sterile area or without proper personal protective equipment increases the risk of contamination and exposure to both patients and healthcare personnel. Wearing a mask and head covering, while beneficial