Which action demonstrates good hand hygiene and infection control in patient care?

Which action demonstrates good hand hygiene and infection control in patient care?

• A. Washing hands or using sanitizer before and after patient contact
• B. Wearing gloves for all activities without changing
• C. Reusing masks without proper removal
• D. Touching surfaces after touching patient without sanitizing

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control in patient care. Washing hands or using sanitizer before and after patient contact minimizes the transmission of germs between caregivers and patients, protecting everyone. Use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly dirty; wash with soap and water if they are or if there’s a risk of specific organisms like C. difficile. The other options undermine safety: gloves should be changed between patients, masks shouldn’t be reused, and touching surfaces after patient contact without sanitizing can spread microbes. This action best demonstrates proper infection control.

Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control in patient care. Washing hands or using sanitizer before and after patient contact minimizes the transmission of germs between caregivers and patients, protecting everyone. Use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly dirty; wash with soap and water if they are or if there’s a risk of specific organisms like C. difficile. The other options undermine safety: gloves should be changed between patients, masks shouldn’t be reused, and touching surfaces after patient contact without sanitizing can spread microbes. This action best demonstrates proper infection control.