What it means
Gloves are part of personal protective equipment. Clean (exam) gloves are worn whenever contact with blood, body fluids, broken skin or mucous membranes is expected, and for contact precautions. Sterile gloves are worn for sterile procedures such as inserting a urinary catheter or a central line dressing change. Latex-free gloves are used for people with latex allergy.
For the nurse
Gloves do not replace hand hygiene: clean the hands before putting gloves on and after taking them off. Change gloves between clients and when moving from a dirty to a clean body site. Remove them without touching the outside with bare skin.
At a glance
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Related terms
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
barrier
Something that blocks passage, such as gloves that block germs, or anything that gets in the way of care or learning.
mask
A covering for the nose and mouth, worn to block germs or to deliver oxygen.