What is the first step a nursing assistant should take when assisting a male person with a urinal?

The first step a nursing assistant should take when assisting a male person with a urinal is to perform hand hygiene. This is essential as it helps to prevent the spread of infection and maintains a clean environment for both the patient and healthcare provider. Proper hand hygiene is important before any interaction with a patient, especially when handling items like a urinal, which can come into contact with bodily fluids.

By ensuring hands are clean before beginning the task, the nursing assistant sets a standard for safe care practices. This habit is a fundamental part of infection control and emphasizes the importance of sanitation in healthcare settings. Performing hand hygiene first ensures that the nursing assistant can effectively minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens, protecting both themselves and their patients throughout the care process.