Programme: Certificate Nursing
Subject/Course Unit: Foundations of Nursing I
Topic: Hand Hygiene and the Five Moments
Learning objectives
- Explain why hand hygiene is essential in patient care.
- Identify the five moments for hand hygiene.
- Choose an appropriate hand-hygiene method.
Study lesson
Hand hygiene is a basic infection-prevention practice that reduces transmission of microorganisms during patient care. It is performed before patient contact and before clean or aseptic procedures, and after body-fluid exposure risk, patient contact and contact with the patient’s surroundings.
The five moments
- Before touching a patient.
- Before a clean or aseptic procedure.
- After a body-fluid exposure risk.
- After touching a patient.
- After touching a patient’s surroundings.
Key points
- Use alcohol-based hand rub when appropriate and hands are not visibly soiled.
- Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or when washing is specifically indicated.
- Keep fingernails short and use correct technique.
Watch and learn
Interactive MCQ quiz
Revision
Remember the five moments: before patient contact; before an aseptic procedure; after body-fluid exposure risk; after patient contact; and after contact with the patient’s surroundings.
Programme note: This lesson is specifically for Certificate Nursing. It should only be shared with another programme when the curriculum identifies the same competency or learning outcome.
Disclaimer: This lesson supports learning and does not replace approved curriculum documents, institutional teaching, clinical supervision or professional guidance.