In which scenario should gloves be worn by healthcare workers?

Gloves should be worn by healthcare workers when there is a possibility of contact with blood because they serve as a crucial line of defense against potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. This practice is grounded in the principles of infection control, which emphasize the importance of barrier protections to prevent transmission of infectious agents.

Wearing gloves in situations where blood is likely to be encountered minimizes the risk of healthcare workers contracting infections from patients or transferring pathogens to other patients or surfaces. It is essential in maintaining a safe healthcare environment, protecting both the patient and the healthcare worker.

While observing patient care may seem to require gloves, non-invasive observation typically does not present a direct risk of exposure to infectious fluids. Similarly, wearing gloves strictly during surgical procedures or only when handling medications does not encompass the broader range of scenarios where there might be exposure to blood or bodily fluids. Therefore, the most appropriate context for routine glove usage among healthcare workers is during activities that could involve contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.