Gloves protect against which exposure?

• A. Mechanical injuries
• B. Cold temperatures
• C. Exposure to blood and bodily secretions
• D. Heat

Answer: (C)

Gloves are a barrier that prevents your hands from coming into direct contact with potentially infectious materials. They’re used to protect against exposure to blood and bodily secretions, such as blood, urine, saliva, and wound drainage, which can carry pathogens. By wearing gloves, you reduce the risk of transferring microbes to your skin or to others, especially in settings using Standard Precautions. They’re changed between patients and when torn or soiled, with hand hygiene performed before putting them on and after removing them. While gloves provide important protection, they’re not meant for heat, cold, or mechanical injury—that would require different types of protective gear.