If your glove tears during a shower with a resident, what should you do?

The most appropriate course of action when a glove tears during a shower with a resident is to prioritize safety and hygiene. The situation involves potentially coming into contact with bodily fluids or contaminants, so immediate and thorough hand hygiene is crucial. Calling for help ensures that assistance is available if needed, particularly since the caretaker may need support to manage the shower safely while maintaining proper infection control practices.

After calling for help, it's essential to remove the torn gloves to avoid spreading any contaminants. Performing hand hygiene follows to cleanse your hands of any possible exposure to pathogens. Replacing gloves before continuing with the shower ensures that there is a barrier between your skin and any potential contaminants, safeguarding both the caretaker and the resident.

This sequence not only optimizes safety but also aligns with proper sanitary protocols in healthcare settings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sterile environment when caring for residents.