After identifying the resident by name and ID for topical meds, what is the next step?

• A. Expose area
• B. Wash hands and put on gloves
• C. Open applicator package
• D. Observe skin

Answer: (B)

In topical medication administration, infection control and safe handling come first. After identifying the resident, wash your hands and put on gloves. This creates a clean barrier to prevent transferring germs to the resident and to protect the medication from contamination. With clean hands and gloves, you then proceed to prepare the area (expose it as needed), open the applicator, and observe the skin for any signs of irritation or reaction as you apply the medication. This ordering matters because handling the med or contacting the resident without clean hands or gloves risks infection and contamination, which is why hand hygiene and gloving must come before anything else.