When should you wear gloves?

When should you wear gloves?

• A. When there is contact with body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, or contaminated items, or during sterile procedures.
• B. Only when the resident asks.
• C. Always, regardless of task.
• D. Never during routine care.

Answer: (A)

Using gloves is part of standard precautions to prevent infection transmission during patient care. Wear gloves whenever you anticipate contact with body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, contaminated items, or during sterile procedures. This protects both you and the resident from exposure to infectious agents. In routine care with no exposure risk, gloves aren’t required, though hand hygiene before and after any resident contact is essential. Change gloves between tasks and residents, and remove them carefully and wash hands afterward to avoid spreading contaminants.

Using gloves is part of standard precautions to prevent infection transmission during patient care. Wear gloves whenever you anticipate contact with body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, contaminated items, or during sterile procedures. This protects both you and the resident from exposure to infectious agents. In routine care with no exposure risk, gloves aren’t required, though hand hygiene before and after any resident contact is essential. Change gloves between tasks and residents, and remove them carefully and wash hands afterward to avoid spreading contaminants.