When should you perform hand hygiene?

When should you perform hand hygiene?

• A. Only after every other client
• B. Before each client
• C. After lunch break only
• D. Before and after each client

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene prevents germs from moving from one client to the next. The best practice is to wash or sanitize before and after every client, so you start with clean hands and then remove any germs after finishing with a client. Doing it only before or only after, or only after a break, leaves opportunities for contamination to slip through between clients. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise, an approved hand sanitizer is appropriate.

Hand hygiene prevents germs from moving from one client to the next. The best practice is to wash or sanitize before and after every client, so you start with clean hands and then remove any germs after finishing with a client. Doing it only before or only after, or only after a break, leaves opportunities for contamination to slip through between clients. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise, an approved hand sanitizer is appropriate.