When should gloves be worn in a healthcare setting?

Wearing gloves in a healthcare setting is essential to prevent exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. The primary purpose of gloves is to create a barrier between the healthcare provider and any substances that could pose a health risk, including blood, saliva, urine, and other body fluids. This practice is a fundamental aspect of infection control and safety procedures in healthcare environments.

In situations involving the potential for contact with blood or bodily fluids, gloves protect both the patient and the healthcare provider from the spread of infections, including bacteria and viruses. This practice is critical not just for the safety of the provider but also to maintain a hygienic environment for all patients.

The other scenarios do not represent situations that necessitate glove use. For instance, touching clean surfaces generally does not require gloves, as these surfaces should not pose any risk of contamination. Providing care solely for the elderly does not fundamentally change the risk factors involved in healthcare, nor does it automatically necessitate the use of gloves. Likewise, when working with non-infectious materials, gloves are typically not necessary, as such materials do not carry the same potential hazards associated with infectious substances. Thus, wearing gloves is specifically indicated when there is a risk of encountering blood or bodily fluids.