Why is the nursing assistant using gloves and washing her hands when taking blood from a patient?

The nursing assistant is using gloves and washing her hands when taking blood from a patient primarily to uphold infection control protocols. When blood is drawn, there's a potential risk of exposure to pathogens, both for the patient and the healthcare worker. Wearing gloves creates a barrier that protects against bloodborne pathogens and minimizes the risk of contamination during the procedure.

Additionally, washing hands before and after the procedure is a critical practice to ensure that any potential contaminants are removed, further preventing the spread of infections. This practice not only safeguards the health of the patient but also protects the nursing assistant and other staff members in the healthcare environment. Thus, the necessity of using gloves and maintaining hand hygiene is vital in any scenario involving blood collection.