Which statement best describes how gloves relate to hand hygiene?

• A. Gloves replace the need for hand hygiene.
• B. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene and hand hygiene should still be performed.
• C. Gloves eliminate the need to wash hands before touching a resident.
• D. Gloves make handwashing optional.

Answer: (B)

Gloves provide a protective barrier, but they do not replace hand hygiene. In aging and physical disabilities care, hand hygiene remains essential before touching a resident to prevent introducing germs, and again after removing gloves to wash away any contaminants that may have been picked up during use. Gloves can have tiny tears or become contaminated when removed, so clean hands before donning and after doffing gloves reduce the risk of spreading infection. They should be changed between tasks and residents as needed.

That’s why the best statement is that gloves do not replace hand hygiene and hand hygiene should still be performed. The other ideas—gloves making handwashing unnecessary, washing hands before touching a resident unnecessary, or handwashing becoming optional—don’t fit because gloves are not foolproof and cannot substitute for proper hand hygiene.