Wondering what everyone's policy is for wearing gloves when administering medications through an IV, CVC? Our policy currently states to wear gloves when administering IV medications both in central lines and IVs. It is an old policy and none of the references actually back this up. I do feel they should be wearing gloves just as much to prevent infection as to protect themselves. Thoughts???
If the employee is putting themself at risk for a potential blood exposure, gloves are required no matter which type of vascular access device is used. Prior to each medication administration one should be checking patency (presence of a blood return and flushing without resistance) for all devices. Hand washing is obviously non-negotiable.
From OSHA:
"Gloves shall be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that the employee may have hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin; when performing vascular access procedures except as specified in paragraph (d)(3)(ix)(D); and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces."
Michael Mineau RN, VA-BC, CRNI
Standard precautions applies to this situation. This set of guidelines puts the responsibility on the healthcare worker to chooose the most appropriate type of PPE based on the procedure they are doing. This applies to all patients and then Transmission-based Precautions are on top of this based on the diagnosed infection the patient has. If there is a risk of blood exposure, gloves are necessary. Many hospitals have written the policies and procedures to identify those procedures when gloves are necessary. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861