You are assisting a patient who is on contact precautions due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. After removing your gloves, what is the most important next step in proper infection control?

Question

Accepted Answer

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removing your gloves. Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves is the most important next step in infection control. Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection. Answer A is incorrect because gloves should be removed before the gown in proper PPE doffing sequence (gloves → gown → eye protection → mask) — removing the gown first risks contaminating your hands. Answer C is incorrect because soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizer for contact precautions and certain pathogens such as C. difficile spores. Answer D is incorrect because hand hygiene should be performed immediately after glove removal, not delayed.