Which statement describes the proper hand hygiene timing during care when gloves have been used?

• A. Hand hygiene is optional if gloves were worn.
• B. Hand hygiene should be done only if hands look dirty.
• C. Immediately after removing gloves, and between tasks as needed.
• D. Only when the task involves mucous membranes.

Answer: (C)

Gloves reduce risk, but they do not replace hand hygiene. After you remove gloves, you should wash or sanitize your hands right away to remove any contaminants that may have gotten on your skin during glove removal. You should also perform hand hygiene between tasks as needed to prevent transferring microbes from one patient or task to another.

This timing specifically targets two risk moments: contamination that can occur when removing gloves and potential cross‑contamination between different activities. Hand hygiene should not be skipped simply because gloves were worn, and it should be done even if hands don’t look dirty. It’s not limited to situations involving mucous membranes; routine hand hygiene applies to all direct care activities to protect patients and yourself.

So, performing hand hygiene immediately after removing gloves and between tasks is the best practice.