What is an NA's responsibility regarding infection prevention?

The responsibility of a nursing assistant (NA) regarding infection prevention is to follow standard precautions in caring for all residents. Standard precautions are a set of guidelines designed to protect both healthcare providers and patients by minimizing the risk of infection. This includes practices such as wearing personal protective equipment when needed, proper hand hygiene, safe handling of sharps, and ensuring cleanliness in the environment.

Implementing these precautions allows the NA to help break the chain of infection by preventing the spread of pathogens, regardless of whether a resident is known to be infected. These practices are essential in maintaining a safe environment for all residents, thus promoting their well-being and health.

The other options do not fully encompass the comprehensive approach necessary for infection prevention. Relying solely on gloves when necessary does not address other critical aspects of infection control, while reporting infections to a resident's family is not a direct prevention strategy. Avoiding physical contact altogether is not practical or conducive to caregiving, as many aspects of resident care involve appropriate physical interaction.