When should hand hygiene be performed according to general health guidelines?

Hand hygiene is a crucial practice in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare settings. It should be performed whenever there is a risk of transferring pathogens from one surface or body part to another, which includes touching skin and mucous membranes.

In this case, the correct choice highlights the need for hand hygiene after touching both intact and non-intact skin and mucous membranes. This is because skin can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, and mucous membranes are particularly sensitive and prone to infection. Maintaining proper hand hygiene after such contact minimizes the risk of spreading infections, thereby protecting both healthcare professionals and patients.

The other options, while important moments for hand hygiene, do not encompass the critical aspect of infection control represented in the correct answer. For example, while hand hygiene before administering medication is important to prevent contamination, the act of touching skin and mucous membranes presents a more immediate risk of pathogen transmission, making it a higher priority for handwashing.