Final answer:
Medical assistants should wear nonsterile gloves when there is potential contact with body fluids or broken skin. This is critical to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient from infection. Wearing the correct PPE, including gloves and other protective gear, is essential when working with contaminated equipment or infected patients and for maintaining a sterile field during procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical assistants should wear nonsterile gloves when there may be contact with body fluids or broken skin. This is important to prevent the transmission of infections and ensure that both the healthcare provider and the patient are protected. Nonsterile gloves act as a barrier against the potential contamination and spread of infectious agents. Gloves should also be worn when assisting with minor surgeries, which is another situation where there is potential contact with body fluids. Proper hand hygiene is critical; health-care workers must wash their hands thoroughly before and after wearing gloves, and after any contact with bodily fluids, potentially infectious fomites, or after assisting in invasive procedures.
There is also an emphasis on the necessity of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical personnel who work with infected patients or when handling contaminated equipment. This could include wearing protective clothing, face protection, and gloves that are cut-resistant. This is particularly important for personnel working in high-risk environments or with high-risk patients.
Infection control measures, such as wearing the proper protective attire, are crucial for maintaining a sterile field and preventing sepsis during medical procedures. The safety protocols extend beyond just gloves to include other forms of PPE, and adherence to these protocols is a fundamental part of a healthcare professional's duties.