What is required before exiting a negative pressure area while dealing with hazardous drugs?

In the context of handling hazardous drugs, particularly in a negative pressure area, the primary focus is on contamination control and ensuring safety. When exiting such an environment, it is crucial to properly remove and dispose of personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.

Removing the chemotherapy gown and outer shoe covers is correct because these are the outermost layers of protection that can be contaminated. By properly disposing of these items before leaving the area, you minimize the risk of carrying hazardous substances outside of the controlled environment. This is vital in maintaining both personal safety and the safety of others in adjacent areas.

The removal of inner gloves and other equipment, or the need to notify a supervisor, does not specifically address the immediate concern of preventing contamination as you leave the hazardous area. Changing all protective equipment may be excessive and not aligned with standard protocols, as the layered approach of PPE generally does not call for complete replacement unless contamination is suspected. Therefore, the correct practice emphasizes removing only the outermost protective gear to effectively manage the risk associated with handling hazardous drugs.