North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Is it necessary to change gloves between residents when administering eye drops?

1. Yes, always

2. No, it is not necessary

3. Only if the resident requests it

4. Only if there is visible contamination

The correct answer is: No, it is not necessary

Changing gloves between residents when administering eye drops is typically considered unnecessary, as long as proper hand hygiene is followed. Healthcare providers should wash their hands before and after each patient interaction, ensuring that any potential contaminants are removed. Gloves primarily serve to protect the healthcare worker and the patient from cross-contamination. In the case of administering eye drops, if gloves are used with proper hand hygiene, the risk of transmitting pathogens between residents can be minimized effectively. It's important to ensure that each step in the eye drop administration process is handled with cleanliness and care. For instance, using a fresh pair of gloves or practicing proper hand hygiene without gloves might still maintain a safe environment during the procedure. In certain situations, such as if there is visible contamination or if there are specific infection control protocols within a facility, changing gloves may be mandated. However, in general practice, constant glove changes are not deemed necessary if other hygiene measures are properly implemented.