Procedure Guide / Nursing Skills Online, Urinary Elimination Module

Hand Hygiene

1. First inspect your hands and nails.

a. Be sure fingernails are short, filed, and smooth.
b. Remove all nail polish and artificial nails or extenders, if indicated.
c. Remove any jewelry and push up sleeves, wristwatch, or both above the wrists.
2. If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based, waterless antiseptic hand rub.
a. Dispense ample amount of product into palm of one hand.
b. Rub hands together, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers, until alcohol
is dry.
c. Hands must be dry before applying gloves.
3. Perform hand antisepsis using plain or antiseptic soap and water.
a. Keep hands and uniform away from sink surface.
b. Turn on the hand faucet or push the foot or knee pedal, if appropriate.
c. Avoid splashing water against uniform. Adjust the temperature to warm.
d. Wet hands and wrists under running water, keeping hands and forearms lower
than elbows.
e. Apply a small amount of soap or antiseptic, and lather thoroughly, wiping from
fingers up to wrists and forearms for at least 15 seconds. Keep fingertips pointed
down during hand washing.
f. Interlace fingers and rub palms and back of hands with a circular motion at least
five times each.
g. Clean under fingernails with the nails of the opposite hand.
4. Verify the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers according to facility policy.
5. Describe the procedure to the patient.

© 2014, 2011 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All right reserved.