What type of gloves should always be worn when entering a patient's room?

Non-sterile examination gloves are the appropriate choice to wear when entering a patient's room, as they provide a barrier to protect both the healthcare worker and the patient from potential contaminants. These gloves are designed for routine procedures and situations where contamination risk is present, offering sufficient protection without the need for sterility.

Using non-sterile gloves is suitable for most patient interactions, such as taking vital signs, performing basic examinations, or handling items in the patient's environment. They are effective for preventing the transfer of microorganisms while still being practical and cost-effective for healthcare facilities.

Sterile examination gloves are typically required in specific situations, such as during surgical procedures or other sterile environments where the risk of infection is significantly high. Therefore, for general patient care in a typical healthcare setting, non-sterile gloves are preferred.

While latex gloves and vinyl gloves can be options for certain situations, they may not be necessary for all patient encounters. Latex allergies can limit the use of latex gloves, and some facilities may opt for vinyl gloves as alternatives; however, non-sterile examination gloves remain the standard practice for entering a patient's room in most cases.