What should a nursing assistant avoid when removing a dirty gown?

When removing a dirty gown, a nursing assistant should avoid touching the outside of the gown because it is the part most likely to be contaminated with bodily fluids, germs, or pathogens. The outside of the gown has been in contact with the patient's environment and any infectious material that may be present, making it crucial to prevent contact with it during removal.

By avoiding touching the outside, the nursing assistant minimizes the risk of transferring contaminants to themselves or other surfaces, which helps maintain a clean and safe environment in the healthcare setting. Instead, the focus should be on handling the gown by the clean parts, like the inside or ties, to ensure that the assistant does not come into contact with any potentially harmful substances while disposing of or cleaning the gown.