Under standard barrier precautions, when should health care providers change their gloves?

• A. Only if gloves are torn
• B. At the start of the shift
• C. After treating 5 patients
• D. After each patient contact

Answer: (D)

Gloves are the barrier that prevents transferring organisms from one patient to another. After each patient encounter, you should change to a fresh pair because the outer surface can pick up pathogens during care. This practice limits cross-contamination and is paired with hand hygiene before you touch the next patient or environment. If gloves are torn or heavily soiled, change them immediately, but the default rule is to switch between patients. Starting the shift with gloves or waiting for a certain number of patients does not reduce risk, so the correct approach is to change after each patient contact.