When should disposable gloves be worn while making a bed?

Wearing disposable gloves while making a bed is essential when the linens are soiled with blood or body fluids. This precaution is crucial for infection control and maintains a safe environment for both the caregiver and the patient. Blood and other bodily fluids can carry pathogens that pose a risk of transmission, so the gloves act as a protective barrier. Utilizing gloves in this scenario minimizes the chance of spreading infections and ensures adherence to safety protocols in healthcare settings.

In contrast, while making beds that are not soiled with body fluids may require different precautions, they do not mandate glove use. For example, linens on a bed that have been used for more than one day or are simply being organized in a surgical bed setting may not present the same level of infection risk that necessitates the use of gloves.