When is it necessary for a CNA to change gloves?

Changing gloves after providing care to one patient is essential for maintaining infection control and preventing cross-contamination between patients. When a CNA provides direct care, such as assisting with personal hygiene or administering medications, it is vital to ensure that pathogens or contaminants picked up from one patient do not transfer to another.

By changing gloves after each patient, a CNA helps to safeguard the health of all individuals receiving care. This practice aligns with standard infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings, which emphasize the importance of barrier precautions to minimize the risk of spreading infections.

The other situations mentioned, such as changing gloves before entering a patient’s room, only when they are visibly torn, or at the end of every shift, do not adequately address the continuous need for hygiene and safety throughout patient care. Each interaction with a patient can introduce new germs, hence the emphasis on changing gloves after each patient interaction.