Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

In which situation should sterile gloves be worn?

1. When interacting with patients

2. When treating an open wound

3. When handing out medication

4. Only during surgeries

The correct answer is: When treating an open wound

Wearing sterile gloves is essential in situations where there is a risk of contamination and the maintenance of a sterile environment is crucial, such as treating an open wound. Open wounds can expose tissues to pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. Sterile gloves help prevent the introduction of bacteria and other microorganisms from the hands to the wound, ensuring a higher level of infection control. In contrast, while interacting with patients or handing out medication might require the use of gloves for general hygiene and protection, it does not necessitate sterile gloves unless there is a specific risk of contamination, such as dealing with open wounds. Additionally, while sterile gloves are indeed required during surgeries to protect both the patient and the surgical team, the requirement is broader than just this scenario. Therefore, the use of sterile gloves is most critical in situations involving open wounds to maintain a sterile field and protect the patient's health.