What must be done before attending to another patient after assisting a patient with pneumonia?

Prioritizing hand hygiene is essential after assisting a patient with pneumonia due to the infectious nature of respiratory diseases. Performing hand hygiene effectively removes any pathogens that may have been acquired during patient care activities, thereby significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination and protecting both the healthcare provider and the next patient. This practice aligns with the principles of infection control, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in clinical settings.

While changing gloves, wearing a surgical mask, and documenting the patient's condition are important components of overall patient care, they do not specifically address the immediate need to prevent the spread of infection from one patient to another directly after interaction. Hand hygiene serves as a critical step in maintaining a safe healthcare environment for all patients.