Before performing a moderately invasive procedure, what is a crucial step to take?

Disinfecting hands before and after wearing sterile gloves is crucial because it helps to prevent the transfer of pathogens. Even when gloves are worn, hands can carry bacteria from the skin or environment, which might compromise the sterile field and lead to infections. Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections, especially during moderately invasive procedures that may expose the patient to bodily tissues or fluids.

Ensuring that hands are disinfected before putting on gloves is particularly important to establish a sterile barrier. Additionally, performing hand hygiene after glove removal is essential to eliminate any potential contaminants that may have been present on the gloves during the procedure. This practice aligns with infection control protocols and contributes significantly to patient safety.

Considering the other options, while patient comfort and mental preparation are important aspects of patient care, they do not directly affect the sterile technique required for invasive procedures. Sterilizing equipment after the procedure, although important for future safety, is not as immediately critical as ensuring hand hygiene before the procedure begins.