When should the nurse perform hand hygiene using soap and water?

Performing hand hygiene using soap and water is crucial in specific situations to ensure effective infection control. One of the primary times when soap and water should be used is when the hands are visibly soiled. This is because soap and water are more effective at removing dirt, organic material, and certain pathogens that may not be fully eliminated by hand sanitizer alone. Hand sanitizers can reduce some germs, but they are not designed to clean visible dirt or contaminants.

In other situations such as when moving from patient to patient, it is typically acceptable to use hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled, as it can be a quick and effective method for reducing bacteria. Before eating lunch, hand hygiene is necessary, but either handwashing or sanitizing can be appropriate unless hands are dirty. After using hand sanitizer, handwashing is not typically required unless there is visible soil on the hands, as the sanitizer effectively reduces bacteria in stable situations. Understanding these guidelines helps nurses maintain a high standard of infection control in clinical settings.