When should a nurse practice hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control in healthcare settings. Practicing hand hygiene before and after patient contact is essential because it significantly reduces the risk of transmission of pathogens between healthcare providers and patients. This practice helps protect both the patient's health and the healthcare worker’s well-being.

Performing hand hygiene before interacting with a patient helps eliminate germs that may be on the nurse's hands, ensuring that healthcare interventions do not introduce pathogens to the patient. Additionally, hand hygiene after patient contact removes any potential contaminants that may have been transferred during the interaction, which is crucial in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.

Other options do not reflect the comprehensive guidelines for hand hygiene practice. For instance, limiting hand hygiene to only entering a patient's room neglects other critical moments when contact occurs. Likewise, only performing hand hygiene after handling linens or when visibly soiled would not sufficiently protect against the transmission of infections in a healthcare setting. Therefore, the practice of hand hygiene before and after any contact with a patient is fundamental in preventing healthcare-associated infections.