What are essential infection control measures when dealing with bodily fluids?

The essential infection control measures when handling bodily fluids emphasize the importance of both wearing gloves and performing thorough hand hygiene. Using gloves acts as a barrier between the caregiver and potential pathogens present in bodily fluids, significantly reducing the risk of transmission of infections. However, gloves do not provide complete protection, as they can be punctured or may not cover all areas of the hands.

Washing hands thoroughly after removing gloves is critical as it removes any potential contaminants that may have come into contact with the skin during the procedure. This two-step approach—using gloves while handling fluids and performing hand hygiene afterward—ensures a comprehensive strategy to minimize the risk of infection for both the caregiver and the patient.

While other options mention either only washing hands after the procedure, using gloves without washing hands, or wearing gloves without focusing on proper disposal, these practices do not adhere to the recommended infection control guidelines. Inadequate hand hygiene or neglecting to wash hands after glove removal can lead to cross-contamination and increased infection rates. Overall, the combination of using gloves and washing hands thoroughly is key to effective infection control in these situations.