What is the first step to take after removing gloves?

Washing hands with soap and water is crucial after removing gloves because it effectively removes any contaminants that may be present on the skin. Gloves provide a barrier against pathogens, but when they are removed, there is a risk of coming into contact with germs that may have been on the gloves themselves or on surfaces during the removal process.

Thorough hand washing is important to ensure that any potential pathogens are eliminated, thus maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infections. While hand sanitizer can be effective, it does not remove dirt or some types of contaminants as thoroughly as soap and water do. Disposing of the gloves in the trash and using disinfectant wipes are also important steps in the process but do not directly address hand hygiene, which is critical following glove use. Therefore, the most effective first step after gloves are removed is to wash hands with soap and water.