Athletic Training Practice Exam

When dealing with a bleeding patient, what should an athletic trainer always do?

1. Avoid touching the bloody areas

2. Wash hands before treatment

3. Wear gloves

4. Wear eye protection

The correct answer is: Wear gloves

In situations involving a bleeding patient, wearing gloves is vital for several reasons. Firstly, gloves provide a protective barrier between the trainer and any bloodborne pathogens that may be present in the patient's blood. This is crucial for preventing the transmission of infections, as the trainer may come into contact with the patient's open wounds. Additionally, wearing gloves helps to maintain a hygienic environment during the treatment process. This practice is integral to standard precautions in healthcare settings, which emphasize the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) when anticipating exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. While the other options also represent important safety considerations—such as avoiding direct contact with bloody areas and taking measures like washing hands before treatment—the immediate and most critical action in this context is to wear gloves to ensure both the safety of the trainer and the patient during care.