What is a critical step to follow after a glove is torn during treatment?

The critical step to follow after a glove is torn during treatment is to stop treatment and check for skin penetration. When a glove tears, it compromises the barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient, which is essential for maintaining infection control. This breach can expose both the patient and the provider to the risk of cross-contamination or infection.

By stopping treatment, the healthcare provider can assess the area to determine if there has been any skin penetration, which is vital for understanding the potential risk of infection for both parties involved. It allows for appropriate measures to be taken, such as cleaning the area, applying a sterile dressing, or potentially notifying a supervisor or following specific protocols for exposure incidents.

While changing gloves immediately is crucial to maintaining a sterile environment, simply doing so without inspection does not address the possible underlying issue of skin exposure. Washing hands is an important practice in infection control but should follow a risk assessment to ensure safety. Communicating with the patient is respectful, but continuing treatment without addressing the potential breach could lead to further complications and does not uphold the standards of care necessary in a clinical setting.