When should a nurse perform hand hygiene?

Performing hand hygiene before and after contact with a patient is essential for infection control and the prevention of cross-contamination. This practice minimizes the transmission of pathogens from healthcare providers to patients and vice versa.

When a nurse cleans their hands before engaging with a patient, it reduces the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms to the patient’s environment. After patient contact, hand hygiene is equally important, as it removes any potential pathogens that may have been acquired during the interaction. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the nurse and the patient are protected from infections, thereby promoting a safer healthcare setting.

Other options suggest limited scenarios for hand hygiene that don't cover the full spectrum of potential transmission points, highlighting the importance of thorough and consistent hand hygiene in all patient care interactions.