Which practice aids in preventing cross-contamination during medication administration?

Wearing gloves is an essential practice that aids in preventing cross-contamination during medication administration. Gloves serve as a barrier between the healthcare provider's skin and potential contaminants, such as bacteria or viruses that may be present on the patient's skin, medications, or equipment. By using gloves, healthcare providers can minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens from one patient to another, or from themselves to a patient, thus promoting a safer environment for both parties.

While hand hygiene and performing proper sanitation are also critical in preventing contamination, the specific act of wearing gloves directly contributes to avoiding contact with potentially harmful substances during the actual medication administration process. Additionally, using a multi-dose vial and administering multiple medications at once may increase the risk of contamination rather than mitigate it, as these practices can introduce more opportunities for pathogens to spread if not conducted with appropriate precautions. Thus, wearing gloves stands out as a direct, actionable method for preventing cross-contamination during medication administration.