Which of the following is an example of appropriate glove use?

Answer: C. Removing gloves before performing hand hygiene

Rationale:

A) Wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patient care tasks:

Wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patient care tasks can lead to cross-contamination between different areas or patients. Gloves should be changed between tasks and patients to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sterile environment.

B) Touching clean surfaces with gloved hands:

Touching clean surfaces with gloved hands can contaminate those surfaces if the gloves have been exposed to pathogens. It is important to touch only necessary areas and equipment with gloved hands and to change gloves when moving between different tasks or environments.

C) Removing gloves before performing hand hygiene:

Proper glove use involves removing gloves before performing hand hygiene. This practice ensures that any contaminants on the gloves do not transfer to the hands or other surfaces. Hand hygiene should be performed immediately after glove removal to maintain hand cleanliness and prevent the spread of infection.

D) Using gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene:

Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after wearing gloves to ensure that hands are clean and to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. Gloves provide a barrier but do not eliminate the need for proper hand hygiene practices.