For a postpartum perineal check, when should gloves be donned?

• A. Don sterile gloves before starting the check
• B. Wash hands and put on clean gloves just before examining the perineum
• C. No gloves needed for perineal assessment
• D. Don gloves after assessing the pad

Answer: (B)

The key idea is using proper barrier precautions during a postpartum perineal assessment. Because you’re likely to encounter blood and lochia from the perineal area, hand hygiene followed by donning gloves before any contact is essential to protect both you and the patient. Clean gloves are appropriate for a routine perineal check; sterile gloves are not necessary unless you’re performing a sterile procedure. Donning gloves after assessing the pad would mean contact with fluids without a barrier, which increases infection risk. So, wash hands and put on clean gloves right before examining the perineum.