When to glove in PP

[rn/writer, RN]

I recently started a new job in PP and after years in sub-acute and psych, it is a very nice change of pace and perspective.

My question has to do with when to glove and when it's okay not to.

I've worked with two preceptors so far. One is fairly laid back (like me) and gloves when she is going to draw blood for a dexi or give an injection, to change an atomic diaper, to change a baby who is positive or unknown for any nasty bugs, etc.. The other one gloves for EVERYTHING including feedings. Both are good nurses and have taught me much in the short time I've been on the unit. But they certainly have a different approach to this topic. (Keep in mind, we're working with well moms and babies and we all do thorough hand washing with soap and water and/or hand sanitizer between patients.)

I've watched the other nurses and there doesn't seem to be any consistency. The P&P manual is my next target but I won't have a chance to look at that until the middle of next week.

I like to touch the babies skin to skin. I can get a feel for their body temp, their hydration status, their skin condition, and more. And communication goes the other way was well. I can transmit warmth and caring through my touch.

I'd sure like some input on this topic.

Thanks,

Miranda

[Jolie, BSN]

Any time there is the potential for contact with blood or other body fluids, gloves should be worn. This would include assisting moms with peri-care, changing babies' diapers, (You wouldn't assist an adult to the toilet without gloves!) feeding pumped breastmilk, doing glucose checks, etc. If you are bottle feeding a baby who is known to be a spitter-upper, then gloves would be appropriate. For the typical bottle feeder, I don't usually wear gloves. And gloves are not necessary for assessing a clothed baby.

Check your policy and procedure manual, and don't fall into the trap of assuming that cute little newborns are incapable of transmitting infectious agents. Protect yourself and all of your patients by gloving when appropriate.

[Jolie, BSN]

I should add that all babies are to be handled with gloves until the intital bath is given!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Jolie did an excellent job covering it all. Thank you.

[mitchsmom]

Technically speaking, universal precautions do not apply to breastmilk, although I certainly understand the inclination to glove when using it.

From the CDC:

"Although universal precautions do not apply to human breast milk, gloves may be worn by health care workers in situations where exposures to breast milk might be frequent, e.g., in breast milk banking."

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/BLOOD/UNIVERSA.HTM

(That link is their universal precautions page which answers the OP's original question in general, in detail, as well)

This expands more on breastmilk precautions:

http://www.lalecheleague.org/Release/daycare.html

[SmilingBluEyes]

Well breastmilk IS a body liquid and does have potential to transmit viruses, so it is handled accordingly.

[suzanne4, RN]

Breast milk is a body fluid and can transmit "stuff" so I handle it only with gloves. Hope that the rest of you are also.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Indeed.