If a dialysis technician fails to gather clean supplies after performing a rinse back, what must they do before getting new supplies?

The process following a rinse back is critical to maintaining a sterile environment and preventing cross-contamination. When a dialysis technician fails to gather clean supplies after this procedure, the next necessary step is to remove gloves, wash hands, and put on clean gloves. This practice ensures that any potential contaminants from the previous procedure are eliminated, and a sterile technique is maintained before handling new supplies.

Hand hygiene is a key part of infection control in a healthcare setting, especially during procedures involving invasive access to the bloodstream. By removing the gloves and washing hands, the technician minimizes the risk of transferring microorganisms between patients or surfaces, which is vital in a dialysis facility where patients are particularly vulnerable to infections. After this step, putting on clean gloves establishes a barrier that upholds the sterile technique required in the treatment process.

In this scenario, while other options involve steps that could be relevant to patient care or team coordination, they do not address the immediate need to ensure hygiene and safety before obtaining new supplies. Hence, adhering to proper infection control protocols by washing hands and putting on new gloves is the most critical action in this situation.