What is a safe practice when a patient has a drainage wound?

Wearing gloves during the care of a patient with a drainage wound is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, drainage wounds can harbor infectious agents that pose a risk to both the patient and the caregiver. By wearing gloves, you create a barrier that helps prevent the transmission of pathogens, thus protecting your hands from contaminants and minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Additionally, gloves help to maintain a sterile environment around the wound, which is essential for proper healing and infection prevention. When providing care, it is vital to handle any dressings, drainage, or associated materials with gloved hands to ensure that any bacteria or debris do not come into contact with the wound site.

This practice aligns with standard infection control protocols in healthcare settings, where protecting both the patient and healthcare worker is a primary concern. In contrast to the other practices mentioned, wearing gloves is the most reliable method to ensure safety and hygiene whenever attending to a wound that has the potential for drainage or infection.