Which statement about gloves and needlestick risk is true?

Which statement about gloves and needlestick risk is true?

• A. Gloves protect the practitioner against needlestick accidents.
• B. Gloves provide no protection against needlestick accidents.
• C. Gloves are required for all activities even if not performing procedures.
• D. Gloves are never used during procedures.

Answer: (B)

Gloves act as a barrier to reduce exposure to blood and body fluids, but they do not prevent a needle from puncturing the skin. A sharp can penetrate the glove, or the glove can tear during handling, recapping, passing, or disposal, leaving the practitioner at risk. Because the risk comes from the act of handling the needle and potential glove breach rather than from wearing gloves alone, gloves cannot be relied on to stop needlestick accidents. The protective emphasis should be on safe needle handling, proper disposal in sharps containers, and using safety devices, with gloves providing barrier protection but not guaranteed prevention of injuries.

Gloves act as a barrier to reduce exposure to blood and body fluids, but they do not prevent a needle from puncturing the skin. A sharp can penetrate the glove, or the glove can tear during handling, recapping, passing, or disposal, leaving the practitioner at risk. Because the risk comes from the act of handling the needle and potential glove breach rather than from wearing gloves alone, gloves cannot be relied on to stop needlestick accidents. The protective emphasis should be on safe needle handling, proper disposal in sharps containers, and using safety devices, with gloves providing barrier protection but not guaranteed prevention of injuries.