A nurse is assisting with staff education about hand hygiene. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Wear sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids" is incorrect. While sterile gloves are necessary for sterile procedures, clean gloves are generally sufficient for contact with body fluids. The main focus of hand hygiene is on proper handwashing techniques. B. "Use alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled" is incorrect. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not be used when hands are visibly soiled, as they are less effective in removing dirt, grease, or organic material. Soap and water are needed for visibly soiled hands. C. "Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds" is correct. The recommended duration for handwashing is 20 seconds, which is sufficient for removing pathogens effectively. This is standard practice for maintaining proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings. D. "Artificial nails can be worn when performing direct client care" is incorrect. Artificial nails and chipped nail polish are contraindicated in healthcare settings because they can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection transmission.