In what circumstances should sterile gloves be used?

Sterile gloves are essential in circumstances where aseptic technique is necessary to prevent infection. This involves any procedure that can introduce pathogens into sterile areas of the body, such as during surgical operations, inserting catheters, or performing certain diagnostic tests. The primary objective of using sterile gloves is to create a barrier that minimizes the risk of contamination from microorganisms, thereby protecting both the patient and healthcare worker from potential infections.

In contrast to the other options, sterile gloves are not needed for every interaction with a patient, as not all encounters pose a risk for infection. They are also not exclusively reserved for surgical procedures—various medical practices outside of the operating room, like certain types of wound care or injections, also warrant their use. The statement that gloves are not necessary at all neglects the importance of infection control practices in healthcare settings. Therefore, the use of sterile gloves when required is critical to maintaining patient safety and upholding infection control standards.