Staff members who administer to patients and move from one patient to another must wash their hands:

• A. After changing dressings and carrying out routine procedures
• B. Before touching a patient
• C. Only at the end of a shift
• D. Handwashing is optional

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene is essential to stop the spread of infections in healthcare. The moment staff should clean their hands when moving from one patient to the next is right before touching the next patient. This practice helps prevent introducing any germs from the caregiver to the patient and is a core part of standard precautions. Even if gloves are used, hands should be cleaned before putting gloves on and after removing them, because gloves aren’t a substitute for hand hygiene. Handwashing between patients is a routine safety measure, not something optional or limited to the end of a shift or to dressing changes. So, cleansing hands before touching the patient is the best practice.