What should be done with gloves after assisting a person using a bedpan?

After assisting a person using a bedpan, the appropriate procedure is to remove and discard the gloves, followed by performing hand hygiene. This practice is crucial for infection control and maintaining a safe environment for both the healthcare provider and the patient.

When gloves are used in situations that involve bodily fluids, such as assisting with a bedpan, they can become contaminated. To prevent the transfer of pathogens, it is essential to remove the gloves immediately after the task is complete. Discarding the gloves in an appropriate waste receptacle, typically a biohazard container, ensures that they do not pose a risk to others.

Performing hand hygiene after glove removal is equally important. Even if gloves are worn, there is a possibility of contamination during the removal process or if hands come into contact with the gloves before they are disposed of. Cleaning hands effectively reduces the risk of infection and is a fundamental practice in patient care.

This combination of proper glove disposal and hand hygiene ensures compliance with safety protocols and helps protect everyone involved.