Why should nurses keep nails shorter?

• A. To prevent growth of bacteria under the fingernails
• B. To avoid scratching patients
• C. To reduce nail polish chipping
• D. To comply with dress code

Answer: (A)

Keeping nails short is a key infection-control measure because the area under fingernails can harbor bacteria and dirt that hand hygiene may not fully remove. Microorganisms can reside in nail folds, and when care is provided or equipment is touched, these pathogens can be transferred if nails are long. Short, clean nails are easier to wash and sanitize thoroughly, reducing the chance that pathogens stay on the hands. Short nails also help prevent glove tears or micro-tears that could occur with longer nails, further lowering infection risk. While avoiding scratching patients is a safety bonus, the main point is to minimize microbial reservoirs and transmission. Options about polish chipping or dress-code policies are less directly related to preventing infection.