When should gloves be changed?

When should gloves be changed?

• A. Between tasks on the same patient, after contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, or if gloves tear or become contaminated; always perform hand hygiene after removing gloves.
• B. When gloves are visibly soiled or begin to tear.
• C. Only at the end of the shift.
• D. Whenever you feel uncomfortable.

Answer: (B)

Changing gloves at the right times is essential to prevent transferring germs between tasks and surfaces. Gloves should be changed between tasks on the same patient, after contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, or if the gloves tear or become contaminated. Always perform hand hygiene after removing gloves. Gloves can harbor pathogens even when they don’t look dirty, so waiting until they’re visibly soiled or torn isn’t enough. Changing only at the end of a shift or based on personal comfort doesn’t protect the patient or the caregiver from cross-contamination.

Changing gloves at the right times is essential to prevent transferring germs between tasks and surfaces. Gloves should be changed between tasks on the same patient, after contact with bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces, or if the gloves tear or become contaminated. Always perform hand hygiene after removing gloves.

Gloves can harbor pathogens even when they don’t look dirty, so waiting until they’re visibly soiled or torn isn’t enough. Changing only at the end of a shift or based on personal comfort doesn’t protect the patient or the caregiver from cross-contamination.