What is the primary purpose of using gloves during patient care?

The primary purpose of using gloves during patient care is to prevent the transmission of pathogens. When healthcare providers wear gloves, they create a barrier that reduces the risk of transferring bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents between themselves and the patients, as well as between patients. This practice is essential in maintaining infection control and ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers during various procedures.

Using gloves helps to protect individuals from direct contact with bodily fluids, which may contain infectious agents. While other reasons for wearing gloves—such as protecting caregiver hands or maintaining a sterile environment—are also important, the fundamental goal in most patient care situations is to minimize the risk of infection and disease transmission, which is reflected in the choice of preventing pathogen transmission as the correct answer.