What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves in a healthcare setting?

Wearing gloves in a healthcare setting primarily serves the important function of preventing pathogens from reaching the skin. This practice is a critical component of infection control and ensures that healthcare personnel can perform their duties while minimizing the risk of transmitting infections to themselves, patients, or others. Gloves act as a barrier against contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents that can be present in bodily fluids or on surfaces.

While looking professional, keeping hands warm, and enhancing grip might have their own significance in different contexts, they do not serve the primary purpose of gloves in a healthcare setting. The focus on infection control underscores why it is essential for healthcare workers to wear gloves, especially when handling bodily fluids, performing procedures, or providing care to patients with compromised immune systems. This protective measure is a fundamental practice in maintaining health and safety in healthcare environments.