When should a CNA wear gloves?

• A. When there is contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated objects; during wound care and specimen collection.
• B. Only when cleaning patient rooms.
• C. Only during feeding a resident.
• D. Only after wearing a gown and mask.

Answer: (A)

Gloves are used as a barrier whenever there is a risk of contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated objects. This is why they’re worn during wound care and specimen collection, where you’re directly handling fluids or potentially contaminated materials, and for many other tasks that could expose you or the resident to those substances. The other scenarios don’t capture the full scope of when gloves are needed—gloves aren’t limited to cleaning rooms or feeding, and you don’t wait to put them on only after donning a gown and mask. Always perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves and after removing them, and change gloves between residents and tasks to prevent cross-contamination.