What is the proper practice regarding hand hygiene after removing gloves?

What is the proper practice regarding hand hygiene after removing gloves?

• A. Always perform hand hygiene.
• B. Only if hands look dirty.
• C. Never necessary after removing gloves.
• D. Only in hospital settings.

Answer: (A)

After removing gloves, your hands can still be contaminated from microbes on the outside of the gloves or during the removal process, so you must perform hand hygiene to prevent spreading germs. Gloves provide a barrier but aren’t perfect, and hand hygiene is needed before touching the patient again or interacting with the next task or surface. Use soap and water if hands are visibly dirty; otherwise, an alcohol-based hand rub is usually sufficient. This practice applies in all care settings, not only in hospitals.