Why is Hand Protection Important in Nursing?
Nursing professionals are frequently exposed to various infectious agents, bodily fluids, and chemicals. Using appropriate hand protection is crucial for preventing the transmission of infections to both patients and healthcare workers. Hand protection, primarily through the use of gloves, acts as a barrier, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and infection.
When Should Nurses Wear Gloves?
Gloves should be worn during activities that involve potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. This includes tasks like wound care, administering injections, and handling soiled materials. Gloves are also essential when dealing with patients in isolation due to infectious diseases.
Types of Gloves Used in Nursing
There are several types of gloves used in nursing, including:1. Latex Gloves: Known for their elasticity and comfort, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Nitrile Gloves: A good alternative to latex, offering similar protection without the risk of allergies.
3. Vinyl Gloves: Less durable but useful for short-term, low-risk tasks.
4. Sterile Gloves: Used for surgical procedures and tasks requiring a sterile field.
How to Properly Wear and Remove Gloves
Wearing Gloves:1. Perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves.
2. Choose the correct size to ensure a snug fit.
3. Inspect the gloves for any tears or defects.
4. Put on the gloves, ensuring they cover the wrist.
Removing Gloves:
1. Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist without touching your skin.
2. Peel it away, turning it inside out.
3. Hold the removed glove in the gloved hand.
4. Slide fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove, peeling it off inside out.
5. Dispose of gloves in a proper waste container.
6. Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing gloves.
Common Mistakes in Using Gloves
1. Reusing Disposable Gloves: Gloves should be discarded after a single use to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Not Changing Gloves Between Tasks: Gloves should be changed between different procedures and patients to avoid spreading pathogens.
3. Touching Surfaces with Contaminated Gloves: Avoid touching surfaces like door handles, phones, or computer keyboards with gloved hands to prevent contamination.Hand Hygiene and Gloves
Hand hygiene remains critical even when wearing gloves. Gloves can have tiny defects and can become contaminated during use. Therefore, it is essential to perform hand hygiene both before putting on gloves and after removing them. This practice ensures an additional layer of protection and reduces the risk of infection.Special Considerations
Allergic Reactions: Be aware of potential allergies to glove materials like latex. Use alternatives such as nitrile or vinyl gloves if allergies are a concern.Double Gloving: In high-risk situations, such as surgery or handling hazardous materials, double gloving may provide additional protection.
Training and Compliance: Regular training sessions for healthcare workers on the correct use of gloves and compliance with hand hygiene protocols are vital for maintaining a safe environment.
Conclusion
Hand protection is a fundamental aspect of infection control in nursing. By understanding when and how to use gloves correctly, nursing professionals can protect themselves and their patients from potential infections. Regular training and adherence to hand hygiene protocols further enhance the effectiveness of hand protection measures.
