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NCLEX · General

Which activity requires the nurse to perform hand hygiene?

Correct answer

Before and after every patient contact, before and after using gloves, after contact with bodily fluids, before a clean/aseptic procedure, after touching patient surroundings even without touching the patient — hand hygiene is required even after removing gloves

  1. A Only when gloves are not used
  2. B Only before invasive procedures
  3. C Before and after every patient contact, before and after using gloves, after contact with bodily fluids, before a clean/aseptic procedure, after touching patient surroundings even without touching the patient — hand hygiene is required even after removing gloves
  4. D Only at the start and end of the shift

Why this is the answer

WHO 5 MOMENTS OF HAND HYGIENE: (1) BEFORE touching the patient; (2) BEFORE a clean/aseptic procedure; (3) AFTER bodily fluid exposure risk; (4) AFTER touching the patient; (5) AFTER touching patient surroundings; KEY POINTS: Hand hygiene AFTER GLOVE REMOVAL — gloves have micro-tears; hands can be contaminated during glove removal; gloves do NOT replace hand hygiene; ALCOHOL-BASED HAND RUB (ABHR): Preferred for most situations — 20-30 second application, rub until dry; MORE EFFECTIVE than soap for most pathogens; SOAP AND WATER REQUIRED: C. difficile (ABHR does not kill spores); when hands are visibly soiled; after using the toilet; before eating; DURATION: Soap and water = 40-60 seconds; ABHR = 20-30 seconds; COMPLIANCE: Hand hygiene is the single most effective infection control measure; studies show 30-40% compliance among healthcare workers without systematic reminders — compliance saves lives.
Source: NCLEX-PN Safe Care — Hand Hygiene, WHO 5 Moments

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