What is the first action a nurse should take when preparing to perform hand hygiene?

The correct action to take first when preparing to perform hand hygiene is to remove all jewelry. Jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and watches can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, which can lead to contamination and are often difficult to clean thoroughly. By removing jewelry, the nurse minimizes the risk of transferring microorganisms from these items to their hands or to the patients.

This action is crucial because effective hand hygiene is an essential practice in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Removing jewelry ensures that the entire hand surface can be cleaned efficiently and helps to create a barrier that protects both the healthcare worker and patients from potential infection.

In contrast, applying liquid soap, turning on the faucet with bare hands, or rinsing hands under warm water are activities that should follow the initial step of removing jewelry. These subsequent steps are vital in the overall process of hand hygiene, but the groundwork for effective hand washing begins with ensuring that hands are free of any items that could harbor pathogens.