Which action indicates proper understanding of hand hygiene by a newly licensed nurse?

Turning off the faucet with a towel demonstrates proper understanding of hand hygiene because it helps to prevent recontamination of the hands after they have been washed. After thorough handwashing, hands can come into contact with contaminants present on surfaces, such as the faucet handle, which may not have been sanitized. By using a towel to turn off the faucet, the nurse minimizes the risk of transferring any pathogens from the faucet back onto their clean hands, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of the hand hygiene procedure.

This action aligns with best practices in infection control, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene as a primary measure to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Proper hand hygiene involves not only washing the hands but also ensuring that hands remain clean throughout the entire process.