When should a nursing assistant wash their hands in a healthcare setting?

Washing hands before and after patient contact is essential in a healthcare setting to prevent the spread of infections. This practice is based on the principles of infection control, where healthcare workers must maintain high standards of hygiene to protect both patients and themselves.

When a nursing assistant engages with patients, they may be exposed to various pathogens. Handwashing before contact reduces the risk of transmitting any harmful germs to the patient, and washing afterward ensures that any contaminants are removed, reducing the risk of spreading infections to other patients or surfaces.

In contrast, the other options are insufficient in promoting safe hygiene practices. Washing hands only before meals or after using the restroom does not encompass the numerous situations in which healthcare providers might come into contact with pathogens. Additionally, restricting handwashing to only the beginning and end of a shift neglects the frequent interactions with patients that occur throughout the day, further heightening the risk of infection transfer.