When should gloves be worn while providing patient care?

Gloves should be worn during patient care when there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids. This practice is essential in infection control and preventing the transmission of pathogens between healthcare workers and patients. Gloves act as a protective barrier that minimizes the likelihood of cross-contamination, thereby safeguarding both the patient and the provider from potential infections.

Using gloves in situations where blood or bodily fluids may be encountered is a standard precaution and aligns with the principles of standard precautions in healthcare. This means that any time there is a possibility of contact with potentially infectious materials, gloves should be utilized to maintain safety.

In contrast, wearing gloves only when handling medications might not adequately address other situations where exposure could occur. Meal times do not typically present a risk that necessitates glove use, nor are gloves generally required during physical therapy unless there are specific circumstances, such as contact with wounds or other infectious materials. This helps to clarify why wearing gloves solely in these other contexts is not advisable compared to the broader application of using gloves in the presence of blood or bodily fluids.