What is the most appropriate action by the nurse when observing a colleague failing to perform hand hygiene?

The most appropriate action when observing a colleague failing to perform hand hygiene is to report the behavior to the nurse manager for follow-up. Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of infection control, and non-compliance can pose significant risks to patient safety, potentially leading to healthcare-associated infections.

By promptly reporting the incident, the nurse manager can address the issue immediately, which may involve speaking with the colleague to understand the situation, providing additional training if necessary, or taking any other supportive measures to enforce compliance with hygiene protocols. This action supports not only the individual involved but also the overall safety of patients and the integrity of the healthcare environment. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of patient care and upholding professional responsibilities among all staff members.

In contrast, confronting the colleague immediately in a client’s room may create a confrontational atmosphere and disrupt patient care. Documenting the incident without taking immediate action might allow the behavior to continue unchecked, posing ongoing risks to patient safety. Finally, assuming the colleague is simply busy and addressing the issue later could lead to further non-compliance, as time may allow the behavior to become normalized and potentially compromise patient safety.