What issue might arise if gloves are not checked before performing a procedure?

Checking gloves before performing a procedure is crucial to maintain a sterile environment. If gloves are not thoroughly inspected, there is a significant risk of losing sterility, which can lead to contamination during the surgical procedure. Contaminated gloves may introduce pathogens into a sterile field, increasing the risk of infections, complications, and ultimately jeopardizing patient safety.

In the context of surgical procedures, maintaining sterility is paramount. Any breach can lead to postoperative infections, which could result in longer recovery times or the need for further interventions. This highlights the importance of confirming the integrity of gloves before engaging in any surgical activity to safeguard the well-being of the patient.

The other options do not directly relate to the core issue of maintaining aseptic technique during surgery. While increased surgery time or skin irritation may be concerns in different contexts, they are not the primary focus when it comes to the crucial task of ensuring gloves are sterile before a procedure.