When should a CNA perform hand hygiene?

When should a CNA perform hand hygiene?

• A. Before touching a resident
• B. After touching a resident
• C. After removing gloves
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene interrupts the spread of germs at the moments it matters most in resident care. You should perform hand hygiene before you touch a resident to prevent transferring any germs to them, after you touch a resident to remove organisms you may have picked up, and after removing gloves because gloves can leave skin or surfaces contaminated if not cleansed right away. Doing hand hygiene at these times protects both the resident and you, reducing the risk of infection. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise, an alcohol-based hand rub is typically sufficient.

Hand hygiene interrupts the spread of germs at the moments it matters most in resident care. You should perform hand hygiene before you touch a resident to prevent transferring any germs to them, after you touch a resident to remove organisms you may have picked up, and after removing gloves because gloves can leave skin or surfaces contaminated if not cleansed right away. Doing hand hygiene at these times protects both the resident and you, reducing the risk of infection. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise, an alcohol-based hand rub is typically sufficient.