Final answer:
It is false that gloves should be worn at all times in the clinical setting; they are needed for certain actions to prevent contamination. True, the extra epidermal layer on palms and soles is the stratum lucidum, beneath the surface layer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that gloves should be worn at all times in the clinical setting is false. Gloves are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are crucial for infection control. They should be worn when there is a potential for contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or potentially infectious material. Additionally, gloves should be used when working with cultures in a laboratory setting. However, they are not required to be worn at all times in the clinical environment. There are instances when hand hygiene alone is sufficient, especially if there is no anticipated exposure to bodily fluids or contaminants.
Moreover, regarding the extra layer of epidermis on the hands and feet, this is true. The stratum lucidum is the extra layer found in these areas and is located just beneath the outermost layer, the stratum corneum, not on the very outer surface as the statement suggests. This layer is particularly thick on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, offering extra protection due to the increased friction and pressure these areas endure.