Answer:
Option A, 1 pair
Explanation:
Though preparation for the insertion of an intravenous (IV) catheter should be a clean procedure, possibly bordering on sterile, the healthcare professional performing the insertion should only require 1 pair of gloves.
The donning of sterile gloves is not necessary for obtaining IV access. However, the IV site where the catheter will reside should be thoroughly prepared with a cleaning solution, such as chlorhexidine or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Unless dirtied due to contact with contaminated skin or touching unsterile product(s), the same pair of gloves that cleaned the surface can be worn to perform the IV insertion. The goal is to minimize the risk of causing infection by introducing pathogens (i.e. bacteria normally present on the skin's surface) into the patient's bloodstream.
Therefore, IV prep only requires 1 pair of gloves, option A.
