In maintaining hygiene, when should a nurse perform hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control and patient safety in healthcare settings. Performing hand hygiene at various times throughout care, including before and after interactions with patients, ensures that the nurse minimizes the risk of transmitting pathogens and maintains a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

This practice is essential not only before patient contact to prevent contamination but also after contact to eliminate any pathogens that may have been acquired from the patient. Additionally, hand hygiene should be practiced before performing any invasive procedures or after touching potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. The holistic approach of performing hand hygiene at multiple points during patient care reflects best practices in infection prevention and supports the overall health and safety of patients and staff alike. This comprehensive strategy is why the identified answer is considered correct.