The nurse has been caring for a patient in the perioperative area for several hours. The surgical mask the nurse is wearing has become moist. The nurse's best next step is to
a. Change the mask when relieved.
b. Air-dry the mask while at lunch, and reapply.
c. Ask for relief, step out of the surgical area, and apply a new mask.
d. Not change the mask, if the nurse is comfortable.
ANS: C
A mask should fit snugly around the face and nose. After the mask is worn for several hours, it can become moist. The mask should be changed as soon as possible because moisture encourages the growth of microorganisms. Waiting to change the mask, air-drying it, or wearing it because it is comfortable does not support the principles of infection control.
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