What is one key infection control practice nurses must uphold, as per BKAT standards?

Hand hygiene is a fundamental infection control practice that nurses must uphold to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. It involves the proper washing of hands with soap and water or the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact, after handling potentially contaminated materials, and in various other situations to maintain a clean environment.

Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens, protecting both healthcare workers and patients. It is recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections, which can lead to complications, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Consequently, adherence to hand hygiene practices aligns with evidence-based guidelines and standards set forth in nursing protocols, including those mentioned in the BKAT standards.

While practices such as gloving, wearing masks, and using gowns are important in certain scenarios, they do not replace the primary necessity of hand hygiene. Each of these other measures serves a specific purpose and situational need, but they are supplementary to the foundational practice of maintaining clean hands.