In which situation is a CNA most likely to need to wear gloves?

Wearing gloves is crucial when performing procedures that may involve contact with bodily fluids or contaminants, as it serves to protect both the certified nurse assistant (CNA) and the resident from potential infections or cross-contamination. When toileting a resident, there is a high likelihood of exposure to urine or feces, which are considered biohazardous materials. Therefore, using gloves in this context is not only a standard infection control practice but also a fundamental part of ensuring the safety and hygiene of both the CNA and the resident.

In contrast, during activities such as providing emotional support, offering verbal instructions, or merely observing a resident, there is usually no risk of exposure to bodily fluids. These situations do not require the same level of protective measures that a task like toileting does. Hence, the necessity for gloves specifically arises from the nature of the task involving potential contact with harmful substances.