State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free STNA Practice Questions and Study Guide.

Wearing gloves when touching residents is an essential practice for preventing the spread of germs between patients. Gloves act as a barrier that protects both the nurse aide and the resident from direct contact with pathogens that may be present on the skin or in bodily fluids. This practice is particularly important when handling items that may be contaminated or when performing procedures that involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Maintaining proper hygiene through glove use significantly minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from one resident to another, contributing to overall infection control in healthcare settings. This is particularly vital in environments such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities where residents may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections.

While holding supplies and linens away from uniforms can aid in infection prevention, it does not provide a direct protective barrier. Washing hands is crucial, but the recommended duration is usually around 20 seconds rather than two minutes, which can lead to unnecessary delays in care. Furthermore, warning residents about hand-holding as a germ spreader, while well-intentioned, does not directly mitigate the risk compared to performing barrier-protection practices like wearing gloves.