Why are sterile gloves donned over the gown cuffs?

• A. To prevent contamination of the gown from the gloves during gowning.
• B. To prevent gloves from slipping.
• C. To allow more room for movement.
• D. To keep gloves dry.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to preserve a clean sterile barrier between the surgeon’s hands and the gown during gowning. Deducing the gloves over the gown cuffs creates a continuous, protected seam where the glove meets the gown, so any potential contamination on the glove’s edge stays on the outside surface of the glove and away from the gown’s sterile areas. If the glove cuffs were worn under the gown cuffs, the edge of the glove could contact the gown or its inner surface during donning, risking contamination of the sterile gown sleeves and compromising the sterile field. By having the gloves extend over the gown cuffs, the front and sleeves stay protected as you move and work. This focus on preventing contamination during gowning is why this method is used. The other options don’t address maintaining sterility or preventing transfer of contaminants between glove and gown.