Which action demonstrates proper infection-control practice when changing a client's dressing?

• A. Wear gloves only
• B. Not wearing gloves when changing a wound dressing
• C. Wear a disposable gown and gloves when changing a client's dressing
• D. Reusing disposable gowns between patients

Answer: (C)

Using appropriate gloves and a disposable gown during a wound-dressing change is the proper infection-control practice because it provides a barrier to protect both the caregiver and the patient from wound drainage and contamination. Gloves protect the hands from contact with the wound and fluids, while the gown shields clothing and skin from splashes and contact with contaminated materials, reducing the chance of cross-contamination. Gowns are disposable and intended for single-patient use, so reusing them between patients is not acceptable and can spread organisms. Wearing gloves alone leaves clothing unprotected, and not wearing gloves during dressing changes is unsafe. In practice, you would perform hand hygiene, put on the gown and gloves, perform the dressing change, then remove PPE and perform hand hygiene again.