The challenge of selecting an appropriate protective gown

1. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) gives the OR nurse the responsibility of selecting the appropriate product required, based on the nurse's assessment of "the task and degree of exposure anticipated." 2. Currently no reliable standards exist for judging materials/gowns. 3. Nurses should be aware of and dispel misconceptions regarding manufacturers' claims, so that they can make an intelligent, informed decision in selecting and/or assessing the use of an appropriate product.