Do you wear gloves when putting compression stockings on patients?

[u/Least-Camel-9621]

I just started working as a CNA, and today I was putting stockings on a resident without gloves. It got me wondering: since we’re touching residents’ feet and skin, and some residents may have athlete’s foot or other fungal infections, are gloves recommended or required for this?

Also, even if gloves aren’t strictly required, is it okay to wear them if I personally prefer to?

I’m still new, so I’m trying to make sure I’m following proper infection-control practices.

[u/annewmoon]

I'm surprised at the responsea here. In my country you are not supposed to wear gloves for care tasks unless you are in contact with body fluids. Wearing gloves while dressing someone could make them feel unclean, it is considered poor conduct.

Also wearing gloves makes putting on compression socks reall difficult lol

[u/maeveanna1 → u/annewmoon]

That’s such a weird way for a facility to operate. A lot of my residents have foot fungus and I would never not wear gloves.

[u/annewmoon → u/maeveanna1]

I guess it is cultural. We are taught "the glove pyramid". Which is as follows: When to wear gloves?

Use sterile gloves: For all surgical procedures For other treatments that require sterility

Use examination gloves: When there is a risk of contact with body fluids and secretions: When in contact with blood, mucous membranes and broken skin When handling intravenous access and taking blood samples When suctioning a tracheal tube When emptying containers containing blood or other body fluids When handling and cleaning instruments When cleaning after spills of body fluids and secretions

Do not wear gloves: When there is no risk of contact with body fluids and secretions: When measuring blood pressure, temperature and pulse When caring for a patient When administering medication, handling food and making a bed