Final answer:
The statement is true. Nurses should check handwashing facilities in a patient's home as part of preventive measures against pathogen spread and recommend emergency handwashing products for situations where soap and water are not available.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that a nurse should check handwashing facilities at the patient's home, including warm running water faucets, to determine potential sources of contamination and take preventive measures. It is important to ensure proper hand hygiene practices to avoid the spread of pathogens. Nurses should evaluate all handwashing facilities to ensure they are adequate and provide guidance on effective handwashing techniques. In situations when handwashing with soap and water is not possible, the use of emergency handwashing products such as hand sanitizers is recommended.
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of pathogens. This includes wetting hands with running water, applying soap, and scrubbing all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers and under nails, for at least 20 seconds, rinsing hands from wrist to fingertips, and drying adequately. Using clean towels or air dryers is preferable, and if touchable fixtures are present, it's advisable to use a paper towel to turn off faucets and open doors to minimize re-contamination.
These practices are especially critical for healthcare workers, who must maintain strict hand hygiene to protect their patients and themselves from healthcare-associated infections. Proper handwashing not only prevents contamination but also minimizes the risk of waterborne diseases, supports public health, and is vital before and after clinical care, preparing food, and in numerous other situations.