Performing Sterile Gloving

Which protocol does not vary among institutions? A. Acceptability of wearing artificial nails in patient care areas B. Use of impervious transparent dressings to cover open lesions on nurse's hands during sterile procedures C. Use of sterile gloves for sterile procedures D. Sterile gloves are only available in "one size fits all"

Use of sterile gloves for sterile procedures Rationale: By definition, a procedure is not sterile if sterile gloves are not worn. Many, but not all, health care institutions prohibit artificial nails and extenders in clinical areas. Review your agency's policy before performing a sterile procedure. In some settings, nurses are allowed to cover open lesions with a sterile, impervious, transparent dressing. In other settings, the presence of such a lesion may prevent the nurse from participating in a sterile procedure. Review your agency's policy before performing a sterile procedure. Sterile gloves are available in various sizes, such as 6½ and 7. The availability of gloves will vary among institutions.

When are sterile nonlatex gloves recommended for a sterile procedure? A. When there is a possible sensitivity issue B. When the staff member prefers them C. When latex gloves are not conveniently available D. When the patient prefers them

When there is a possible sensitivity issue Rationale: The possibility of a serious allergic reaction to latex necessitates the use of nonlatex gloves when the patient or nurse is sensitive to latex. Staff preference is not a reason to select nonlatex sterile gloves. Staff should use latex gloves unless there is a sensitivity issue. Unless the patient has a known latex allergy, he or she is not usually consulted regarding the type of glove a staff member uses.

Which action would the nurse perform first when preparing to apply sterile gloves? A. Perform hand hygiene. B. Place the package on a stable, flat surface. C. Assess the glove packaging for wetness or tears. D. Open the outer packaging.

Assess the glove packaging for wetness or tears. Rationale: The nurse first assesses the packaging for wetness or tears; any breach in the packaging compromises the sterility of the gloves. The nurse performs hand hygiene after selecting the gloves and placing them on the work surface. The nurse places the package of gloves on the work surface after inspecting the integrity of the package. The nurse opens the outer packaging after inspecting the integrity of the packaging, placing the package on the work surface, and performing hand hygiene.

After applying sterile gloves, the patient states she is uncomfortable and would like to move to her left side. What is the best way for the nurse to keep the gloves sterile while waiting for nursing assistive personnel (NAP) to position the patient for a sterile dressing change? A. Interlocking the fingers and keeping the hands above waist level B. Keeping the arms at the sides, with elbows bent and gloved hands pointing up C. Leaving the room momentarily D. Stepping back from the bedside where NAP are working

Interlocking the fingers and keeping the hands above waist level Rationale: Once the gloves have been applied, the fingers should be interlocked and held in front of the body above waist level. Keeping the arms at the sides, with elbows bent and gloved hands pointing up is not appropriate sterile technique. Leaving the room is not appropriate; the nurse will stay in the treatment area after gloving. Stepping back from the bedside and other traffic areas is prudent, since turbulent air can contaminate gloves, but it is not the most important step the nurse can take to keep gloves sterile.

What is the most important step the nurse can take to minimize the risk of tearing a sterile glove when applying it to the hands? A. Using powdered sterile gloves B. Keeping the fingernails trimmed and smoothly filed C. Selecting the proper glove size D. Drying the hands thoroughly before applying the gloves

Selecting the proper glove size Rationale: Improper glove size is the leading cause of glove tears. Most sterile gloves are powdered. Since using unpowdered gloves is usually not an option, using powdered gloves does not reduce the risk of tearing a sterile glove. Keeping the fingernails well-trimmed and smoothly filed is prudent, but it is not the most important step the nurse can take to reduce the risk of tearing a glove. Drying the hands thoroughly before applying gloves is prudent, but it is not the most important step the nurse can take to reduce the risk of glove tears.