Question about occupied bed

[Christina08]

Do you actually have to wear gloves while making an occupied bed?

I saw some videos and they use gloves in those videos, but in my handbook is nothing mentioned about gloves.

I will take a state exam in NC. Thanks.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Hmmm...well, in the real world, if the person were incontinent or had any draining wounds, I would wear gloves. If the person cannot get out of bed for a linen change, then the likelihood that they are incontinent is high, so therefore, there would be a reasonable risk of coming into contact with body fluids, and thus, gloves would be appropriate. I'm thinking real world here, though. I don't know about your test. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[CandAmommy]

In real life, yes. For when we learned and practiced we didn't wear gloves. Again, not sure if it varies by state or not though.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

It is prudent to always wear gloves. You never know what you might find.

[reginamiller]

Where in NC are you? I'm in Charlotte and I am currently enrolled in a CNA class also.

As for your question, since I am so worried about the skills portion of the test, I plan to wear gloves and wash my hands any time it seems to make sense (before starting a skill, when finishing a skill, etc). But in the real world, it makes sense to wear gloves any time you are in contact with someone who can't get out of bed for one reason or another.

[akanini, MSN, RN]

It is prudent to always wear gloves. You never know what you might find.

Ditto.

[ohiocleveland]

Always remember to raise the bed to your comfort level when making an occupied bed. Also, I agree with Virgo RN and to add to that when your pt has c-diff you want to make sure you have gloves on at all times... As some States rules are diff for the CNA course, you should ask your instructor to make sure you are well prepared for your state exam.... good luck

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Always remember to raise the bed to your comfort level when making an occupied bed. Also, I agree with Virgo RN and to add to that when your pt has c-diff you want to make sure you have gloves on at all times... As some States rules are diff for the CNA course, you should ask your instructor to make sure you are well prepared for your state exam.... good luck

Excellent advice. I confess I have not always remembered that until about three hours in when my back is singing!

[littlenursingmommy]

Always, always, always wear gloves when making an occupied bed; if they are in bed, I can almost promise you they are incontinent. (Plus it's a great opportunity to go ahead and change the depends, if need be.)

In the real world, when and how often you use gloves can be (to an extent) gauged by you--some facilities are more uptight than others about it. I personally wear gloves any time there's even a CHANCE of coming in contact with fluids, which there most certainly is one with the occupied bed--it's not only a chance; it's a probability.

When it comes to the state test, it depends on your state. However, you most certainly wouldn't LOSE points for wearing gloves, so I would go ahead and wear them if I were you.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

I would do it for the state test since the beginning steps are always "wash hands and put on gloves" for everything.

And on the job I'd do it too because you wouldn't need to change the bed with someone in it unless it was soiled. There's no need to change a clean bed.