California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A pedicure technician finishes a service and prepares for the next client. According to standard precautions, what must she do regarding her gloves before beginning the new client's pedicure?
- AReuse the same gloves if they are not visibly soiled
- BOnly change gloves if the previous service involved visible blood
- CWash the gloves with soap and water and reuse them
- DRemove and discard the gloves, wash her hands, and put on a fresh pair before the next client
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Remove and discard the gloves, wash her hands, and put on a fresh pair before the next client
Standard precautions require gloves to be treated as single-use items — they must be discarded after each client, hands washed, and a new pair worn for the next service, regardless of whether visible contamination occurred.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wrong—gloves must never be reused even if they appear clean.
- B. Wrong—standard precautions apply regardless of visible contamination.
- C. Wrong—gloves are not washable/reusable items.
Glove Use Under Standard Precautions
Gloves are single-use PPE that must be changed between every client and whenever torn or contaminated, regardless of visible soiling.
- Never reuse gloves
- Wash hands before donning and after removing gloves
- Replace immediately if torn/punctured
- Applies to every client, symptomatic or not
Memory trick: Change gloves between clients = fresh gloves, fresh start