Newborn Care: When to Wear Gloves

When is it unnecessary for the nurse to wear gloves while caring for a newborn?

a. Offering a feeding

b. Changing the diaper

c. Giving an admission bath

d. Suctioning the nasopharynx

Answer:

It is unnecessary for the nurse to wear gloves while caring for a newborn when offering a feeding (a) and changing the diaper (b).

In specific situations, gloves may be used when handling newborns, regardless of their HIV status, to ensure infection control. However, during routine care activities such as offering a feeding and changing the diaper, the use of gloves is generally unnecessary. These activities do not involve direct contact with bodily fluids or potential sources of infection that would require gloves for protection.

On the other hand, when performing procedures like giving an admission bath (c) or suctioning the nasopharynx (d), gloves should be worn to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the transmission of pathogens.

Therefore, the correct options are a and b.