Hand hygiene is considered the most crucial measure to prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens and to avert healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Nurses are on the frontline of patient care and often come into contact with various microorganisms. Proper hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of infections, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare providers.
Nurses should wash their hands in several critical situations, including but not limited to:
- Before and after patient contact: This minimizes the risk of transferring pathogens from one patient to another. - Before performing aseptic tasks: Such as catheter insertion or wound dressing. - After exposure to bodily fluids: Even if gloves were worn. - After touching patient surroundings: This includes bed rails, medical equipment, and other surfaces. - After removing gloves: Gloves can have microscopic tears and may not provide full protection.
Effective hand washing involves several steps to ensure all areas are properly cleaned:
1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. 2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the
