In which situation is the use of sterile gloves required?

The requirement for sterile gloves is primarily associated with procedures that involve entering a sterile body cavity or where there is a potential for introducing pathogens into the urinary tract. In the case of inserting a urinary catheter, the procedure necessitates a high level of aseptic technique to prevent urinary tract infections. Using sterile gloves ensures that no microorganisms from the skin or environment are introduced into the urinary system.

In contrast, while other procedures such as administering an enema, giving a subcutaneous injection, or inserting a nasogastric tube involve some level of risk for infection, they typically do not require sterile gloves. For example, the insertion of a nasogastric tube may be performed with clean gloves because the procedure is less invasive and involves access to a non-sterile area compared to the urinary catheterization procedure. Hence, sterile gloves are specifically indicated for the insertion of urinary catheters to maintain a sterile field and safeguard the patient’s health.