When should gloves be changed during patient care?

The correct choice highlights the importance of maintaining a high standard of infection control throughout patient care. Gloves should be changed after every procedure to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and to ensure that any potential pathogens or contaminants from one patient do not transfer to another or to surfaces in the clinical environment.

Infection control protocols are designed to safeguard both the patient and the healthcare provider by creating barriers against the transmission of infectious agents. Changing gloves after each procedure is a critical practice that reflects adherence to guidelines from health authorities and infection control standards, which recommend frequent glove changes in clinical settings to enhance safety.

This practice helps to maintain clean and uncontaminated working conditions for each individual patient encounter, thus reducing the likelihood of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for dental practitioners to stay vigilant about hygiene practices, understanding that even if gloves appear clean or are not visibly soiled, they may still harbor pathogens after contact with patients or equipment.