What is an important aspect of infection control for CNAs?

Washing hands before and after contact with each resident is an essential aspect of infection control for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This practice helps to prevent the spread of pathogens that can lead to infections, ensuring the safety and health of both residents and the healthcare providers. Proper hand hygiene is fundamental in breaking the chain of infection, as hands can easily transfer germs from one surface to another.

This practice is recognized by health organizations as one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Handwashing with soap and water is preferable to using hand sanitizer in situations where hands are visibly soiled or when there's a potential for the presence of harmful bacteria.

The other options do not align with best practices in infection control. For instance, wearing gloves at all times, regardless of the situation, can lead to complacency and may hinder proper hygiene, as gloves can become contaminated just like hands. Relying solely on hand sanitizer can be insufficient, especially when it comes to removing certain types of germs. Lastly, using the same gloves for multiple residents increases the risk of cross-contamination and does not reflect the principles of good infection control practices.