Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What should an NA do after using gloves?

1. A. Reuse them after rinsing

2. B. Dispose of them according to facility guidelines

3. C. Store them in a clean area

4. D. Put them in a regular trash can

The correct answer is: B. Dispose of them according to facility guidelines

After using gloves, the appropriate action is to dispose of them according to facility guidelines. This is vital for infection control and safety. Once gloves have been used, they cannot be reused or cleaned in a manner that ensures they remain free from contaminants. Proper disposal helps prevent the spread of pathogens and maintains a safe environment for both residents and healthcare staff. Facility guidelines are designed to align with best practices for waste management, especially concerning biohazard materials. Following these guidelines ensures that any potentially contaminated materials are handled and disposed of in a way that minimizes risk. In contrast to the correct action, rinsing and reusing gloves compromises safety, as residual contaminants may still be present. Storing used gloves in a clean area does not address the risk of contamination they pose. Simply placing them in a regular trash can also poses a risk, as it may not adequately contain biological waste, potentially exposing others to harmful pathogens.