What is the first action to be taken with Roger Clinton in Scenario #1?

In any healthcare setting, the first action taken when approaching a patient should always be to ensure proper hand hygiene, which includes washing hands. This practice is fundamental to infection control and safety in clinical environments, preventing the transmission of pathogens between healthcare providers and patients.

Washing hands before any patient interaction helps establish a clean foundation for any subsequent interventions, whether it’s administering medication, starting an IV, or providing orientation to the patient. Additionally, adhering to hand hygiene protocols is a critical aspect of patient safety and care quality, as it significantly reduces hospital-associated infections and promotes a sterile environment. Therefore, starting with handwashing aligns with best practices in patient care and safety.