In which situations is it appropriate to use gloves?

Using gloves is essential in situations where there is potential exposure to blood or body fluids to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient from infection or contamination. Gloves act as a barrier, preventing the transmission of pathogens that may be present in these fluids. This practice is crucial in maintaining infection control standards in healthcare settings.

In contrast, while a patient's request for gloves may indicate a desire for assurance of cleanliness or safety, it does not establish a clinical necessity for wearing them. Routine patient checks may not always involve contact with bodily fluids, therefore gloves may not be needed unless specific risks are present. Surgical procedures warrant the use of gloves due to the sterile environment required, but the use of gloves extends beyond this context to any interaction involving potential exposure to infectious materials.