What action should a nurse take to prevent chapping after washing hands?

To effectively prevent chapping after washing hands, the recommended action is to use a paper towel to dry hands thoroughly, focusing on the fingers and other areas where moisture can accumulate. Proper drying is crucial because wet hands can lead to skin irritation and chapping over time. By wiping hands with a paper towel, moisture is removed, and less time is spent in contact with water, which can increase skin hydration and prevent dryness.

This method also helps to remove any soap residue or germs that might remain after washing, thereby maintaining good hand hygiene practices. While using hand lotion can also be beneficial for skin care, it should be done after the hands are dry; otherwise, applying lotion on wet skin may hinder absorption and can also trap water against the skin, leading to irritation. Thus, thorough drying followed by appropriate hand care is essential to maintaining skin integrity in a healthcare setting.