When should a pharmacy technician wear gloves?

A pharmacy technician should wear gloves when handling hazardous medications or during sterile compounding because these situations involve direct contact with potentially harmful substances that can pose health risks. Hazardous medications, such as chemotherapy agents, require the use of gloves to protect the technician from exposure that could lead to skin absorption or inhalation of dangerous particles. Sterile compounding involves creating medications in a clean environment to prevent contamination. Wearing gloves in such contexts is not only a safety precaution but also a regulatory requirement to ensure the safety of both the technician and the patients ultimately receiving these medications.

In other scenarios, while gloves may be advisable, they are not as strictly mandated. For example, patient-facing tasks or routine prescription filling may not require gloves, depending on the task's nature and the protocols established by the pharmacy. Cleaning the work area typically involves other types of personal protective equipment, such as masks or gowns, rather than gloves alone. The situations outlined in the correct choice highlight the specific need for gloves in high-risk tasks, emphasizing their role in maintaining safety standards in pharmacy practice.