When assisting a resident with personal hygiene, how often should you wash your hands?

Question

Accepted Answer

Before and after contact with each resident and before/after handling bodily fluids. Hand hygiene is critical to prevent infection. Hands must be washed before and after each resident contact and especially before and after handling bodily fluids or potentially contaminated items. This is a fundamental infection control practice and is not optional. Washing only at shift start or when visibly soiled is inadequate.