Standard precautions involve using personal protective equipment with all patients regardless of the presence of infections. Therefore when obtaining a blood sample, the nurse must wear:

Question

a. a mask.
b. gloves.
c. gloves and a mask.
d. gloves, a mask, and a gown.

Answer 1

B
Apply disposable gloves when there is a risk for exposing the hands to blood as in blood drawing, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or potentially infectious material on objects or surfaces. In addition, use gloves when you have scratches or breaks in the skin and when performing venipuncture or finger or heel sticks. Wear a mask or respirator if you anticipate splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids. This is not common when drawing blood. The mask also protects you from inhaling microorganisms from a patient's respiratory tract and prevents the transmission of pathogens from your respiratory tract. Gowns should be worn if soiling of the skin or clothing is likely from contact with blood, body fluids, or if patient has uncontained secretions. You may wear gloves alone or in combination with other PPE; however, obtaining a blood sample does not usually require more than gloves.