What should be done immediately after removing gloves used during patient care?

Washing hands immediately after removing gloves used during patient care is critical for maintaining infection control protocols. This practice helps to eliminate any potential pathogens that may have come into contact with the hands during the procedure, even if gloves were worn.

Gloves are designed to act as a barrier, but they can still become contaminated on their outer surfaces. If hand hygiene is not performed right after glove removal, there is a risk of transferring germs to the skin, surfaces, or other patients. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, you significantly reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and the transmission of infections.

The other options do not prioritize immediate hand hygiene in a manner that effectively protects against infection transmission, which is why they do not align with best practices in infection prevention.