Which of the following best describes the 1st moment of hand hygiene?

The first moment of hand hygiene is best described as occurring before contact with patients. This principle is grounded in the fundamental practice of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. Hand hygiene is critical for reducing the risk of transmitting pathogens from healthcare workers to patients. By ensuring that hands are clean before any interaction with a patient, healthcare professionals establish a primary defense against healthcare-associated infections.

This moment emphasizes the importance of starting patient care with clean hands, which is essential to maintaining a safe environment for patients. It helps prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms that can be present on the hands of healthcare workers or in the surrounding environment, thus protecting patients and ensuring their safety during medical procedures or assessments.