Final answer:
Health care workers should cleanse their hands thoroughly in various situations, including between patient contacts and before and after invasive procedures, using handwashing and surgical scrubbing techniques to prevent the spread of infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health care workers must practice diligent hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections. They should cleanse their hands thoroughly between every patient contact, after removing gloves, and after contact with bodily fluids or potentially infectious materials. Prior to and post assisting in surgical procedures, it's crucial to engage in more intensive handwashing known as surgical scrubbing, aiming to significantly reduce the normal microbiota present on the skin to prevent microbial introduction into surgical wounds.
In addition to clinical settings, proper handwashing techniques are essential for avoiding pathogens in daily life. Everyone should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after various activities such as preparing food, using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can be used as a temporary measure.