How would you use gloves in the care of Ms. Perry?

In at least 300 words answer the following questions about the case provided. Outside reliable resources can be used.
Case: Jennifer Perry, a 64-year-old African American female, has come to the clinic with an inflamed left thigh. As you assess her thigh, you discover an edematous, erythemicarea, 16 cm in diameter, which is weeping serous fluid.
How would you use gloves in the care of Ms. Perry?
What type of hand hygiene would you use after assessing Ms. Perry?

ANSWER

In the case of Jennifer Perry, a 64-year-old African American female with an inflamed left thigh, the use of gloves and appropriate hand hygiene practices are crucial to ensure both patient safety and infection control.

Use of Gloves: When assessing Ms. Perry’s inflamed left thigh, it is essential to use disposable, single-use, non-sterile examination gloves. Gloves serve multiple purposes in this scenario:

Infection Control: The patient has an open wound that is weeping serous fluid, which poses an infection risk. Wearing gloves will protect the healthcare provider from potential contact with infectious material, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

Patient Safety: The use of gloves demonstrates a commitment to patient safety and minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the wound, preventing potential complications.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves are considered part of standard PPE, especially when dealing with wounds or bodily fluids. It is essential to adhere to universal precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Patient Comfort: Wearing gloves can help maintain a sterile environment for wound assessment and treatment while ensuring the patient feels safe and respected during the examination.

Hand Hygiene: After assessing Ms. Perry and removing the gloves, it is critical to practice proper hand hygiene. The type of hand hygiene to be used in this situation is handwashing with soap and water. This should be done for the following reasons:

Effective Decontamination: Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective method for removing potential pathogens and contaminants from the hands. It ensures thorough cleansing and reduces the risk of infection transmission.

Patient Safety: Hand hygiene is essential not only for the healthcare provider’s safety but also for the patient’s safety. Clean hands prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms during wound assessment and care.

Compliance with Infection Control Protocols: Handwashing with soap and water aligns with infection control guidelines and regulations. It is a standard practice in healthcare settings to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Role Modeling: Practicing proper hand hygiene sets a positive example for patients and encourages them to adopt good hand hygiene practices themselves.

In conclusion, when assessing a patient like Ms. Perry with an inflamed wound, the use of gloves and proper hand hygiene are non-negotiable practices. They are essential not only for infection control but also for patient safety, provider safety, and compliance with established healthcare protocols. These practices reflect a commitment to providing high-quality care while minimizing the risk of complications and infections.