Final answer:
An NA should wear gloves while shaving residents to minimize the risk of infection transmission. Gloves create a barrier between the NA's hands and potential pathogens, preventing transmission between the NA and the resident. Additionally, gloves protect against blood-borne pathogens in case of accidental contact with blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
An NA (Nursing Assistant) should wear gloves while shaving residents in order to minimize the risk of infection transmission. When shaving, the razor can nick the skin and cause small cuts or abrasions, which can potentially expose the resident and the NA to pathogens.
By wearing gloves, the NA creates a barrier between their hands and any potential pathogens that may be present on the resident's skin. This helps to prevent the transmission of infections, such as bacteria or viruses, from the resident to the NA and vice versa.
Additionally, gloves can also protect both the NA and the resident from the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B or HIV, in case of any accidental contact with blood during the shaving process.
Overall, wearing gloves while shaving residents is an important infection control measure that helps to safeguard the health of both the NA and the residents they care for.