3. According to USP Chapter 800, gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must:
Answer: B
Gowns worn during the preparation of hazardous nonsterile compounds must be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled.
Selecting gowns based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled ensures that the protective equipment is appropriate for the level of risk associated with those drugs, thereby enhancing safety during compounding procedures.
A) have seams or closures that could allow hazardous drugs to reach the skin
This option is incorrect because gowns designed for handling hazardous compounds must be constructed to prevent hazardous drugs from reaching the skin. Seams or closures that could allow such exposure would contradict safety protocols outlined in USP Chapter 800.
B) be selected based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled
This option is correct as it emphasizes the importance of tailoring protective gowns to the specific properties and risks of the hazardous drugs involved. This practice is crucial for ensuring adequate protection against exposure.
C) be made of reusable material to absorb hazardous drug residue
This option is incorrect because while gowns may be made of reusable materials, the primary concern is not absorption but rather impermeability to hazardous substances. Gowns should prevent any hazardous drug exposure, rather than absorb residues.
D) have short sleeves and open cuffs to minimize hazardous drug exposure
This option is incorrect because short sleeves and open cuffs would actually increase the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs, contrary to the protective measures recommended by USP Chapter 800. Long sleeves and closed cuffs are essential for minimizing skin exposure.
Conclusion
The correct answer is definitive because selecting gowns based on the specific hazardous drugs being handled aligns with the safety protocols established in USP Chapter 800. All other options fail to meet the necessary standards for protection against hazardous drug exposure, either by promoting inadequate gown design or by misunderstanding the purpose of protective equipment.