When must gloves be worn during medication administration?

Gloves should be worn during medication administration primarily to prevent the transmission of pathogens and to protect both the medication aide and the patient. The correct understanding of when gloves are needed aligns with the practice of safety and infection control.

In the context of the choices provided, wearing gloves during the administration of oral medications is essential in certain situations, particularly if there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or contaminants. For instance, if the medication is in a liquid form, or if there is likely to be contact with the patient’s saliva or other secretions, gloves provide vital protection.

It's also important to recognize that while gloves are typically required when administering injections to ensure a sterile environment, and during procedures like inserting suppositories, other contexts may not necessarily require gloves. The use of gloves is primarily dictated by the risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials or the nature of the medication route being used. Therefore, wearing gloves during oral medication administration emphasizes the importance of hygiene and safety in various patient care scenarios.