May one learn Torah or say blessings prior to washing hands after the above actions?[1]
The above washing is only in order to remove impurity, and does not prevent one from studying Torah or praying. [Nevertheless it is best to wash the hands immediately after the above actions, in order to remove the impurity right away, as stated above.] If however one dirtied his hands, such as through touching the normally covered parts of his body, or sleeping without being fully clothed[2], or doing of the actions mentioned in Halacha 5B, then it is forbidden to learn Torah or recite Hashem’s name prior to cleaning the hands on an item. See Halacha 5.
[1] Admur 7:2; 613:4; 92:6; Seder Birchas Hanehnin 13:17; M”B 4:61 and 227:11; Peri Megadim 227 A.A. 2 explicitly allows saying a blessing before washing hands from impurity; Mahrsham 4:148 brought in Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 2:5 regarding learning while cutting nails; and so rules Piskeiy Teshuvos 4:32; 237:8
Background: In 7:2 Admur rules that one who used the bathroom may learn Torah and say blessings unless he touched his Erva or feces. Now in 4:18 Admur explicitly rules that one who uses the bathroom must wash his hands. Hence we clearly see a difference between washing hands from filth and washing from impurity, in which case of the latter it is not an impediment for Torah learning.
The reason: The impurity which comes as a result of the above actions is not the same type of impurity as that which resides when one awakens from sleeping at night, and thus it does not hold the restriction mentioned prior to washing hands in the morning.
Other Opinions: Kaf Hachaim [Falagi] and Chesed Lealafim [brought in Kaf Hachaim 4:61] learn that all the laws that apply prior to morning washing likewise apply towards one who has the impure spirit through leaving the bathroom and the like. So rules Kaf Hachaim 227:16 that a blessing may not be said until one washes his hands.
[2] M”B 4:60