What does the 'inner gloves' refer to during the PPE removal process?

During the process of removing personal protective equipment (PPE), the term 'inner gloves' specifically refers to the gloves worn beneath the gown. This layer of gloves acts as a critical protective barrier, particularly against contamination from bodily fluids or hazardous substances when working in environments where sterility and personal safety are paramount, such as in compounded sterile preparations.

By describing them as the inner layer, it highlights their role in ensuring that the handler’s hands remain clean and protected from the outer surfaces of the gown, which may be contaminated. Proper removal of PPE, including the inner gloves, is vital to preventing the spread of contaminants and maintaining a sterile environment. In this context, it is important to properly understand the sequence of PPE removal, where the inner gloves are usually removed first, and then the gown to minimize the risk of exposure.

The other choices do not accurately capture the function and placement of the inner gloves in relation to the gown or the overall PPE protocol in a sterile environment.