How should hand hygiene be conducted in nursing?

Hand hygiene is essential in nursing to prevent the spread of infections and protect both patients and healthcare providers. The correct conduct of hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Washing with soap and water effectively removes dirt, organic material, and pathogens when hands are visibly soiled, while alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly effective in killing many types of germs when hands are not visibly dirty. The use of hand sanitizers is particularly beneficial in healthcare settings because they are quick to use, require no rinsing, and have a broad antimicrobial activity.

The other options do not provide adequate hand hygiene. Hand lotion can help maintain skin moisture but does not serve the purpose of cleaning hands or killing germs. Wiping hands with a tissue is ineffective for reducing microbial load and does not replace proper washing or sanitizing. Using hand wipes may help in some situations but is not considered a primary method for hand hygiene in clinical settings compared to the effectiveness of handwashing and sanitizers.

Thus, option B encapsulates the best practice for maintaining effective hand hygiene in nursing.