The nurse is caring for a patient who becomes nauseated and vomits without warning.The nurse has contaminated hands.What is the nurse's best next step?

A) Cleaning hands with wipes from the bedside table.
B) Washing hands with an antimicrobial soap and water.
C) Using an alcohol-based waterless hand gel.
D) Instructing the patient to wash his face and hands.

The U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that when hands are visibly soiled,the health care provider should wash with a plain soap or with antimicrobial soap.Cleaning hands with wipes or using waterless hand gel does not meet this standard.If hands are not visibly soiled,an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic agent should be used for routinely decontaminating hands.The patient may very well need to wash his face and hands,but this is not the best next step.