When should a nurse perform hand hygiene according to the principles of standard precautions?

Hand hygiene should be performed at the WHO 'FIVE MOMENTS': (1) BEFORE touching a client; (2) BEFORE an aseptic/clean procedure; (3) AFTER body fluid exposure risk; (4) AFTER touching a client; (5) AFTER touching the client's SURROUNDINGS/environment. NCLEX safe care/infection control. Also: before and after glove use (gloves don't replace hand hygiene), after using the restroom, before handling medications/food. STANDARD PRECAUTIONS apply to ALL clients regardless of diagnosis (treat all blood/body fluids as potentially infectious). Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention. Performing it at all the key moments — not just when hands look dirty or once per shift — is essential. Knowing the moments for hand hygiene is a heavily tested NCLEX concept.