In which situation is it necessary for a Patient Care Technician to wear gloves?

Wearing gloves is essential for protecting both the patient and the healthcare worker in situations where there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids. This includes a wide range of scenarios, such as wound care, handling soiled linens, or performing any procedures that could result in contact with these fluids. The use of gloves serves as a barrier that helps prevent the transmission of infections and protects against potential contaminants.

In contrast, the other situations mentioned may not universally require gloves. For example, while medications often require careful handling and might involve gloves depending on the nature of the medication, it is not a blanket requirement. Surgical procedures do necessitate gloves, but they are a more specific case. When taking patient histories, gloves are typically not necessary since this task does not involve direct exposure to blood or fluids. Therefore, universal precautions dictate that gloves should be worn in any scenario that presents a potential risk, making the correct answer the option concerning exposure to blood or bodily fluids.