A nurse is assisting with staff education about hand hygiene. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds: Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method for hand hygiene in most situations, especially when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids. The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned.

Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care: Artificial nails, including nail extensions and overlays, should be avoided when providing direct client care. The wearing of

artificial nails can increase the risk of bacterial colonization and make proper hand hygiene more challenging. Short, natural nails without nail polish are recommended for healthcare workers to ensure effective hand hygiene and reduce the risk of infection transmission.

Wear sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids: Sterile gloves are indicated when there is a need for an aseptic technique or when in contact with sterile body sites or invasive procedures.

However, for routine patient care and non-sterile procedures, non-sterile disposable gloves are typically sufficient. The use of gloves does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene before and after glove use.

Use alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing many types of germs when used correctly. However, they are not as effective when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids. In such cases, washing hands with soap and water is recommended to ensure proper cleansing and removal of visible dirt or contaminants.