Final answer:
The first step before applying stockings is to perform hand hygiene to prevent contamination and infection. This includes thoroughly washing and drying the hands with particular attention to details like scrubbing under the fingernails and between the fingers.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Steps Prior to Applying Stockings
Before applying stockings, the first step is to ensure that proper hygiene practices are followed. The list of steps provided indicates a concern with cleanliness and avoiding contamination or infection. Hand hygiene is paramount to this, making it the initial step that should precede all others when handling items like stockings, particularly in a healthcare setting.
To achieve clean hands, follow these key actions:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water.
- Lather and scrub all parts of the hands, including the backs, between fingers, and under fingernails for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse hands from wrist to fingertips, ensuring that potential microorganisms are washed away.
- Dry hands completely with a clean towel or an air blower, and if possible, use a towel to turn off the faucet and open doors to maintain cleanliness.
Remember, handwashing is critical not only in daily life to prevent infections but is especially crucial in healthcare settings where the risk of transmitting pathogens to patients is significantly higher. Thus, proper hand hygiene is the first and essential step before proceeding with tasks like applying stockings.