Which of the following behaviors is recommended after using gloves?

Washing hands after removing gloves is crucial for maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the spread of pathogens. Gloves are a barrier that protects healthcare workers and patients from contamination; however, they can still harbor microorganisms on their surfaces after use. Even if gloves appear physically clean, they may have been exposed to bodily fluids or other contaminants.

By performing hand hygiene after glove use, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring any pathogens to your own skin or to other surfaces in the environment. This practice is especially important in healthcare settings, where the risk of infection can have serious consequences for vulnerable patients.

The other suggested behaviors do not align with standard infection control practices. For example, throwing gloves in regular trash can risk contaminating waste if they were exposed to infectious materials. Reusing gloves contradicts infection control protocols, as they may carry contaminants from one patient to another. Applying lotion on the gloves is not effective because it doesn’t resolve potential contamination and could lessen the effectiveness of the gloves during their use. Thus, proper handwashing after glove removal is the best method to ensure safety and hygiene.