Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper hand hygiene?

Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential for proper hand hygiene because this practice effectively removes dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the hands. This duration is supported by guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize thorough scrubbing and rinsing to ensure that hands are adequately cleaned.

Washing with soap and water breaks down germs and helps to physically remove them from the skin, particularly in challenging areas like between fingers and under nails. This method is especially crucial in healthcare settings where infection control is vital. It is recommended in situations where hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with bodily fluids.

In contrast, using hand sanitizer is suitable for situations where hands are not visibly dirty, but it doesn't replace the need for soap and water when they are. Therefore, emphasizing handwashing with the proper technique and duration is foundational to effective infection prevention in nursing practice.