Which statement made by nursing assistive personnel requires follow-up by the nurse regarding hand hygiene?

The statement that requires follow-up is regarding the avoidance of soap and water to prevent dry skin. While it is important to take measures to avoid skin irritation and dryness, it is crucial to understand that hand hygiene is fundamentally about infection control. Soap and water are essential for effectively removing pathogens, especially when hands are visibly soiled or when caring for patients at higher risk of infection.

Using alcohol-based hand rubs can be an adjunct to handwashing, especially in situations where soap and water are not readily available, but they are not a replacement for it. This indicates a gap in understanding important hand hygiene practices that are vital for preventing the spread of infections.

In contrast, the other statements align with recommended hand hygiene practices. Performing hand hygiene after using a computer workstation is crucial because surfaces can harbor pathogens. Stating it takes at least 15 seconds to wash hands properly reflects an understanding of effective handwashing techniques, as the CDC recommends at least 20 seconds. Lastly, performing hand hygiene before and after patient handling shows an awareness of the importance of maintaining a clean environment in caregiving. These practices are all supportive of proper infection control measures.