The nurse applies gloves and a face mask to perform a morning assessment of a client on droplet precautions. A small amount of mucous lands on the nurse's face mask. After removing the contaminated mask, what is the appropriate next action?

• A. Discard the mask into a biohazard container.
• B. Rinse the mask with water and reuse it.
• C. Wipe the mask with disinfectant and reuse.
• D. Continue without changing the mask.

Answer: (A)

Masks used in droplet precautions are single-use and must be discarded if they become contaminated. When mucous lands on the mask, it can carry infectious droplets, so the appropriate next step is to discard the contaminated mask into a biohazard container to prevent any chance of exposure. Rinsing, disinfecting, or attempting to reuse the mask does not reliably remove pathogens and is not acceptable. After disposing of the contaminated mask, perform hand hygiene and apply a new mask if continuing the assessment or care.