What is the correct hand hygiene sequence before caring for a client?

• A. Turn on faucet and rinse briefly
• B. Apply sanitizer without washing hands first
• C. Wet hands, apply soap, lather for at least 20 seconds, scrub between fingers and under nails, rinse, dry with a clean towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet
• D. Wipe hands with a cloth and proceed

Answer: (C)

Thorough handwashing with soap and water before client care removes germs from the hands and prevents contaminating the patient and the care environment. The best sequence is to wet the hands, apply soap, lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to between the fingers and under the nails, then rinse well, dry with a clean towel, and use that towel to turn off the faucet. This order ensures all surfaces are cleaned, and the final use of the towel prevents recontamination of clean hands. Options that skip the soap and thorough scrubbing, or rely on wiping or sanitizer alone when hands are not visibly clean, don’t provide the same level of disinfection or prevent recontamination.