During fingernail care on one hand, which action should be performed second?

• A. Put fingernails in water
• B. Put on gloves
• C. Clean under fingernail with a stick wiping stick after each nail
• D. Dry fingernails and file as needed

Answer: (B)

During fingernail care, infection control and safe handling of tools guide the sequence. After you start the procedure, soaking the nails helps soften them, preparing for cleaning and shaping. The next action should be putting on gloves, so your hands and the resident are protected as you proceed with cleaning under the nails, using the stick, and then drying and filing. Wearing gloves first would protect you during the subsequent steps, and once gloves are on, you can safely continue with cleaning under the nails and shaping the nails. The soaking step is a prep work, while drying and filing come after cleaning.