When should a nurse perform hand hygiene?

Hand hygiene is a critical practice in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. Performing hand hygiene after handling a patient's linens is vital because linens can be contaminated with pathogens. By washing hands or using hand sanitizer after this action, the nurse minimizes the risk of transmitting these pathogens to themselves or other patients, thereby maintaining a safe environment.

While there are several appropriate moments for hand hygiene—such as before entering a patient's room to prevent the introduction of pathogens, after using hand sanitizer to remove any residual contamination, and before leaving the healthcare facility—a key context is that the question focuses on the aspect of direct contact with potentially contaminated materials, which underscores the importance of hand hygiene following that specific activity. This highlights the targeted approach to infection control practices that nurses must follow to safeguard patient health and enhance overall care quality.