When should the nursing assistant change gloves during the bedpan procedure?

The nursing assistant should change gloves during the bedpan procedure after removing and emptying the bedpan. This practice is important for infection control and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both the patient and the caregiver. Changing gloves after contact with bodily fluids or waste minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of pathogens.

Additionally, it is critical for the nursing assistant to wear clean gloves at the start of the procedure and then to change them after any task that could expose them to contaminants. This includes not just after emptying the bedpan, but also if they were to touch any part of the patient's body or linens during the procedure—emphasizing the need for proper glove use.

It is not necessary to change gloves at least three times during the procedure, as doing so could create unnecessary waste and be counterproductive if the gloves are changed at inappropriate times. Therefore, effective glove management—including when to change them—allows for a balance between safety and efficiency in patient care.