Skill 69
Sterile Gloving
Sterile gloves help prevent the transmission of pathogens by direct and indirect contact. Nurses apply sterile gloves before performing sterile procedures such as inserting urinary catheters or applying sterile dressings. It is important to select the proper size glove. The gloves should not stretch so tightly over the fingers that they can easily tear, yet they need to be tight enough that objects can be picked up easily. Sterile gloves are available in various sizes (e.g., 6, 
, 7).
Many patients and health care workers are allergic to latex, the natural rubber used in most gloves (Church and Bjerke, 2009). Box 69-1 lists risk factors for latex allergy. The powder that is used to make latex gloves slip on easily is a carrier of the latex proteins (AORN, 2011; Molinari and Harte, 2009). When you apply or remove gloves, the powder particles become airborne and can remain so for hours. Then the latex can be inhaled or settle on clothing, skin, or mucous membranes. Reactions to latex are mild to severe (Box 69-2). For individuals at high risk or with suspected sensitivity to latex, it is important to choose latex-free or synthetic gloves.
Box 69-2
Levels of Latex Reactions
The three types of common latex reactions (in order of severity) are:
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