Final answer:
Healthcare guidelines stipulate that hands should be cleaned both before and after touching a patient's intact skin to prevent the spread of infections. Proper handwashing involves at least a 20-second thorough clean, and hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are unavailable.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a clinical setting, it is pertinent to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of pathogens. According to guidelines for health-care workers, you should clean your hands after touching a patient's intact skin, such as when measuring a pulse or blood pressure. The correct answer to the question is: A) Before and after. This practice helps ensure both patient and healthcare worker safety by minimizing the potential for infection transmission.
Proper handwashing includes using soap and water and scrubbing all parts of the hands and fingers for at least 20 seconds. It's crucial to clean the most commonly missed areas, such as thumbs, wrists, spaces between the fingers, and under the fingernails. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can be a temporary alternative.
In summary, thorough handwashing before and after patient contact is a fundamental practice in healthcare for maintaining a sanitary environment and reducing the risk of spreading infections.