Which practice is recommended according to standard precautions before interacting with a patient?

Washing hands is a fundamental practice recommended by standard precautions to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Hand hygiene serves as the first line of defense against pathogens that can be present on hands due to contact with surfaces, equipment, or even direct contact with patients. By washing hands thoroughly before interacting with a patient, healthcare providers significantly reduce the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms into the patient’s environment or onto their skin.

The other practices mentioned may have their own specific roles and circumstances where they are important, but hand hygiene is universally prioritized as it applies to all interactions in a clinical setting. For example, while using alcohol swabs can be vital for disinfecting a patient's skin before procedures, it does not replace the necessity of proper hand hygiene beforehand. Wearing gloves at all times may not be appropriate for all interactions, as some situations may not warrant their use, and notifying a physician of allergies, while critical for patient safety, is not directly related to the immediate actions taken prior to patient interaction. Thus, handwashing stands out as the essential practice that should always precede any clinician-patient contact according to standard precautions.