When should hands be washed according to standard medical practices?

Washing hands before handling patient dressings is critical according to standard medical practices because it directly relates to infection control and patient safety. This practice helps to eliminate the risk of transferring pathogens from the healthcare worker's hands to the patient's wounds or dressings, which can lead to infections. Before any interaction with a patient or their belongings, including dressings, maintaining hand hygiene is essential to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider.

While washing hands after eating, after handling medical records, and before cleaning equipment are all important practices to promote hygiene, the particular focus on handling patient dressings emphasizes the prevention of infection in a clinical setting. This highlighted action underscores the proactive measures healthcare workers must take to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).