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5. Proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) use

In nursing assistance, proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) use are essential practices to maintain infection control and protect the health and safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Here are specific guidelines for implementing these practices:

1. Hand Hygiene:

**When to Perform Hand Hygiene:**
- Before and after patient contact, including assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- After contact with bodily fluids, contaminated items, or potentially infectious materials.
- Before and after wearing gloves.
- After using the restroom.
- Before and after eating or handling food.

**Proper Handwashing Technique:**
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands thoroughly, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Singing "Happy Birthday" twice can help you time it.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands. If possible, use the towel to turn off the faucet.

**Hand Sanitizer:**
- In situations where soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Ensure that it covers all hand surfaces and rub your hands until dry.

**2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use:**

**Gloves:**
- Wear disposable gloves when in direct contact with patients, bodily fluids, contaminated items, or potentially infectious materials.
- Change gloves between patients or tasks.
- Remove gloves carefully to avoid contamination, and perform hand hygiene afterward.

**Masks:**
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others from respiratory droplets, especially when close to patients or during procedures with a risk of exposure.
- Ensure that the mask covers both your nose and mouth and fits snugly.

**Gowns:**
- Put on a gown when there is a risk of contamination with blood, bodily fluids, or infectious agents.
- Remove gowns carefully to prevent contamination, and dispose of them properly.

**Eye Protection (Goggles or Face Shields):**
- Use eye protection when there is a risk of splashes, sprays, or respiratory droplets reaching your eyes.
- Ensure that eye protection covers the sides of your face and fits securely.

**Respirators (e.g., N95 Masks):**
- Use respirators when required, such as during aerosol-generating procedures or when caring for patients with contagious airborne diseases.
- Follow fit-testing procedures to ensure a proper seal.

**PPE Donning and Doffing:**
- Adhere to the correct sequence for putting on and taking off PPE to minimize the risk of self-contamination.
- Perform hand hygiene before and after donning and doffing PPE.

**Proper Disposal:**
- Dispose of used PPE in designated containers or follow facility protocols for disposal.
- Avoid touching the exterior of contaminated PPE during removal.

**Training and Education:**
- Ensure that nursing assistants receive proper training and ongoing education on PPE use and hand hygiene techniques.
- Stay informed about current guidelines and recommendations related to PPE and hand hygiene.

By following these guidelines diligently, nursing assistants can help maintain a safe and infection-free healthcare environment, protecting the well-being of both patients and themselves.

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