Before administering medications, which hygiene practice should always be observed by nursing assistants?

Washing hands is essential before administering medications because it is a fundamental practice in infection control. Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens and contaminants, which could otherwise lead to infections for the patient. When nursing assistants wash their hands, they eliminate any germs that may be present, ensuring a safe environment when handling medications.

Wearing sterile gloves is not always necessary for administering oral medications, as thorough handwashing can suffice in preventing contamination. While using hand sanitizer is beneficial, it does not replace the effectiveness of washing hands with soap and water, especially when hands are visibly soiled. Similarly, wearing a mask is generally not required for medication administration unless there is a specific infection control protocol in place for particular situations. Thus, handwashing remains the primary and most critical hygiene practice in this context.