What must be done with a blood glucose meter after use on a resident?

Disinfecting a blood glucose meter after use on a resident is essential to prevent the transmission of infections. When a meter is used, it can become contaminated with bodily fluids or pathogens. By properly disinfecting it, you eliminate these potential contaminants before it is used on another resident. This practice is aligned with infection control protocols that emphasize the importance of maintaining a sterile environment in healthcare settings, particularly in nursing homes where residents may have compromised immune systems.

Storing the meter in a clean container doesn't address any contamination that might have occurred during use, making it insufficient as a sole measure of infection prevention. Leaving the meter on the supply cart could expose it to further contamination, and keeping it for individual use is impractical in many settings where equipment must be shared among multiple residents. Hence, disinfection is the critical step that ensures equipment safety and infection prevention in care practices.