Hand Hygiene Flashcard 2
Rationale
B. Rationale: The World Health Organization recommends rubbing the hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing it off. All areas of the hands and fingers must be covered with lather.
Question
When washing hands with soap and water in healthcare institutions, for at least how long should one rub their hands before rinsing off the soap suds?
a. 10 seconds
b. 20 seconds
c. 30 seconds
d. 1 minute
Answer
b. 20 seconds
Rationale
A. Rationale: Healthcare personnel should have fingernails that are short, clean, and free from artificial nails and nail polish. Long or artificial nails are more likely to harbor periungual pathogens than short fingernails. Artificial fingernails have been known to cause outbreaks of infection in the hospital setting.
Question
Which of the following is also part of hand hygiene?
a. Ensuring that the nails are short and clean without polish
b. Wearing sterile gloves
c. Scrubbing artificial nails with a clean brush
d. All of the above are part of hand hygiene protocols
Answer
a. Ensuring that the nails are short and clean without polish
Rationale
C. Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective precaution for reducing the transmission of pathogens from one person to another.
Question
Which of the following is the most critical measure for reducing the transmission of pathogens?
a. Wearing scrubs instead of lab coats
b. Donning sterile gloves
c. Hand hygiene
d. Isolating patients with bloodborne pathogens
Answer
c. Hand hygiene
Rationale
C. Rationale: Tissue samples can harbor bloodborne pathogens. Hence, hand hygiene practices are still in effect when handling these biologic materials. You must immediately wash your elbows and hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of potential pathogens from the tissue sample.
Question
You are to bring a tissue sample from an enlarged prostate gland to the pathology laboratory. While preparing the tissue sample, your elbow touched the tissue sample. What should you do?
a. Tissue samples do not harbor bloodborne pathogens; it’s ok to proceed with what you are doing
b. Wipe the exposed area with sterile gauze
c. Wash the exposed area and your hands with soap and water
d. Have someone else bring the sample to the laboratory
Answer
c. Wash the exposed area and your hands with soap and water
Rationale
D. Rationale: When decontaminating the hands using an alcohol-based product, apply the recommended amount of product to one hand. It is recommended to rub hands together until the hands are dry. Ensure that all surfaces of the hand and fingers are covered.
Question
You are using an alcohol-based hand disinfection product before touching another patient. To ensure that all pathogens are eradicated, you should rub your hands and fingers:
a. For 10 seconds
b. For 20 seconds
c. For 30 seconds
d. Until the hands are dry
Answer
d. Until the hands are dry