What is a critical step to be performed after using gloves?

Performing hand hygiene after using gloves is a crucial step in infection control and maintaining a safe environment in healthcare settings. Even though gloves provide a barrier against contamination, they can still harbor pathogens on their surfaces. Once gloves are removed, it is essential to wash hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer to eliminate any germs that may have come into contact with the skin or any surfaces during patient care. This practice helps prevent the transmission of infections and protects both healthcare workers and patients.

The importance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated, as it significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections. This step is a standard protocol recommended by health organizations and is an essential part of the routine for any healthcare provider to ensure a high standard of hygiene.

Other options involve actions that might be appropriate in different contexts, but they do not address the immediate need for hand hygiene after glove removal. Reporting observations, storing gloves, and discussing with a resident are all valuable practices; however, they should be conducted only after ensuring that hands are clean. Thus, performing hand hygiene is the critical step that directly addresses the potential concerns of cross-contamination and infection.