Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
A medical assistant is performing a venipuncture. To prevent cross-contamination between patients, which of the following is the most critical action to perform immediately after removing gloves and before interacting with the next patient?
- ADisinfecting the venipuncture tray
- BDocumenting the procedure in the patient's chart
- CPutting on a new pair of gloves
- DPerforming hand hygiene
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Performing hand hygiene
Hand hygiene (washing hands or using alcohol-based sanitizer) is the single most critical step to prevent the spread of infection. Even with gloves, tiny breaches can occur, and hands can become contaminated during glove removal.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Disinfecting the tray is a necessary step but should occur after hand hygiene and before preparing for the next patient.
- B. Documentation is important but does not prevent cross-contamination.
- C. Putting on new gloves without performing hand hygiene first would trap any contaminants that may have gotten on the hands underneath the new gloves.
Post-Glove Hand Hygiene
Performing hand hygiene (washing or sanitizing) immediately after removing gloves and before any further patient interaction is the most critical step to prevent cross-contamination.
- Gloves are not foolproof.
- Contamination can occur during removal.
- Essential for patient and MA safety.
Memory trick: Gloves Off, Hands Clean, Before Next Scene.