When should gloves be worn?

The correct answer highlights the importance of wearing gloves specifically during the handling of soiled items. Wearing gloves in these situations helps to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infection or contaminants. This practice is crucial in healthcare settings as it protects both the healthcare provider and the patients from potential exposure to harmful pathogens or biohazardous materials.

In addition, gloves serve as a barrier against bodily fluids, ensuring that there is no direct contact that could lead to cross-contamination. This is particularly important when dealing with items that may be contaminated with blood, secretions, or other bodily substances.

While there are various scenarios in healthcare where gloves are important, such as during surgeries, patient assessments, and medication administration, the specific emphasis on handling soiled items underscores the necessity of maintaining cleanliness and preventing infection in day-to-day healthcare practices.