Important Actions When Donning Sterile Gloves

Which action is most important for the nurse to implement when donning sterile gloves?

a) Touch only the outer surface of the gloves
b) Adjust the gloves after touching a sterile surface
c) Roll up the sleeves before donning gloves
d) Use a non-sterile glove to adjust the sterile glove fit

Final answer:

When donning sterile gloves, the most important action is to only touch the outer surface of the gloves to maintain sterility. Adjusting the gloves after touching a sterile surface or using a non-sterile glove to adjust them can lead to contamination.

Importance of Proper Sterile Glove Donning

Sterile gloves are a crucial component in healthcare settings, especially during surgical procedures. Healthcare workers must follow strict protocols to ensure the gloves remain sterile to prevent the spread of infection.

One of the most critical actions when donning sterile gloves is to only touch the outer surface of the gloves. This is essential to maintaining sterility and preventing contamination. Any contact with a non-sterile surface can introduce harmful microbes and compromise the safety of both the healthcare worker and the patient.

Proper hand hygiene is also vital before donning sterile gloves. Healthcare workers must thoroughly wash and scrub their hands to reduce the risk of transferring pathogens. Surgical scrubbing involves meticulous cleaning from fingertips to hands, forearms, and up beyond the elbows.

Adjusting the gloves after touching a sterile surface is not recommended, as it can lead to contamination. Similarly, using a non-sterile glove to adjust the fit of sterile gloves would compromise their sterility. It is crucial for healthcare workers to adhere to these guidelines to maintain a safe and sterile environment during medical procedures.