Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What is a crucial standard practice when providing colostomy care?

1. Notify the doctor after each care instance

2. Wear gloves for standard precautions

3. Skip washing the area to avoid irritation

4. Use only water for cleaning

The correct answer is: Wear gloves for standard precautions

Wearing gloves for standard precautions is a crucial standard practice when providing colostomy care because it helps to prevent cross-contamination and protects both the healthcare provider and the patient from potential infections and pathogens. Gloves serve as a barrier between the caregiver and bodily fluids, which can contain harmful bacteria. This practice is vital in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment during care activities. While other options may seem relevant, they do not adhere to the foundational principles of infection control and patient safety as effectively as wearing gloves. For example, notifying a doctor after each care instance is not a standard procedure unless there are specific concerns that must be addressed. Skipping the washing of the area can lead to irritation and infection, contrary to the goal of maintaining cleanliness. Lastly, using only water for cleaning may not be sufficient, as proper cleansing often requires specific products to effectively manage skin integrity around the stoma. Therefore, the practice of wearing gloves aligns with the essential guidelines of standard precautions in the healthcare setting.