When should a nurse perform hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact is essential because it reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens between healthcare providers and patients. This practice is particularly vital in maintaining a safe environment for patients, especially those who may have compromised immune systems or are at a higher risk for infections.

Additionally, hand hygiene before administering medications is crucial to ensure that any germs on the healthcare provider’s hands do not contaminate medications and pose risks to patient safety. This comprehensive approach to hand hygiene supports infection control protocols and enhances overall patient care quality.

The other options are limited in scope and do not align with the recommended practices for hand hygiene. They either neglect critical moments for handwashing or sanitization that can lead to healthcare-associated infections. Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in multiple contexts reinforces its role as a fundamental practice in clinical settings.