Final answer:
After applying an alcohol-based hand rub, the nurse should let the hands air dry.
Step-by-step explanation:
After applying an alcohol-based hand rub to the palms of the hand and rubbing the hands together, the nurse should let the hands air dry. It is important not to rinse or wipe off the hand rub as it needs time to evaporate and kill any germs on the hands. By letting the hands air dry, the nurse ensures that the hand rub remains effective in preventing the spread of germs.