What hygiene step is performed before feeding?

• A. The nurse cleans the client with an alcohol wipe
• B. Client’s hands are cleaned with a hand wipe before feeding
• C. The caregiver washes their hands with soap and water
• D. Gloves are worn throughout the meal

Answer: (B)

Before feeding, reducing the chance of transferring germs to the food starts with the person who will eat. Cleaning the client’s hands with a hand wipe right before meals directly lowers the risk that dirt or bacteria on the hands will contaminate utensils, food, or the mouth. It’s a quick, practical step when a sink isn’t readily available or when the resident can’t wash with soap and water themselves, and it supports dignity by involving the resident in the mealtime routine.

While caregiver hand hygiene is essential, the question focuses on a pre-meal action performed for the person being fed. Wiping the client’s hands is the appropriate step in that context. Using an alcohol wipe on the client isn’t standard practice for hands before feeding and can be irritating, and gloves aren’t needed for routine meals and can hinder eating.