When should healthcare workers wear gloves?

Wearing gloves is essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections and protect both healthcare workers and patients. The correct answer emphasizes that gloves should be worn when there is potential contact with blood or bodily fluids. This stance is based on the understanding that many pathogens can be present in these fluids, and the use of gloves acts as a barrier to minimize the risk of infection transmission.

In clinical practice, gloves are not just for surgical settings or medication handling; they should be part of standard precautions when caring for any patient where there is a risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials. This includes routine tasks such as drawing blood, performing wound care, or dealing with any situation where contact with bodily fluids is likely. The focus on potential exposure underscores the importance of being proactive in infection control to protect everyone involved in patient care.