CDC Basics
How long should you scrub your hands with soap?
At least 20 seconds
True or False: You should wash your hands after using the restroom
True
What percentage of alcohol should hand sanitizer contain when soap and water aren't available?
At least 60% alcohol.
True or false: Wearing gloves means you don't need hand hygiene.
False.
True or false: Germs can spread when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
True.
What are the first two things you should do when washing your hands?
Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap.
Should you wash your hands before or after eating?
Before eating
Which is usually better when your hands are visibly dirty: sanitizer or soap and water?
Soap and water.
When should a healthcare worker clean their hands after wearing gloves?
Immediately after removing them.
Which spreads germs more easily: touching only your own hands or touching shared objects after coughing into your hand?
Touching shared objects after coughing into your hand.
Name three areas people commonly forget to clean
What should you do after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose?
Clean your hands
True or false: Hand sanitizer gets rid of every type of germ.
False.
In most clinical situations when hands aren't visibly dirty, what does CDC prefer?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Name two frequently touched objects at school that could transfer germs.
Phones, keyboards, desks, doorknobs, water fountains, cafeteria tables, or shared equipment.
After scrubbing, what are the final two steps?
Rinse with clean running water and dry with a clean towel or air dryer
Should you wash your hands after touching an animal or animal waste
Yes
Should you wipe hand sanitizer off before it dries?
No. Rub your hands until they are dry.
Should you clean your hands before touching a patient?
Yes.
Why shouldn't you rely only on hand sanitizer when your hands are greasy?
Sanitizer may not work as effectively on visibly dirty or greasy hands.
Why does handwashing help prevent illness?
It removes germs from the hands and reduces their spread to people, food, and surfaces
Give three situations when handwashing is especially important.
Before preparing/eating food, after using the restroom, after coughing/sneezing, after touching animals, after caring for someone sick, or after touching garbage.
Name one germ for which soap and water can be more effective than sanitizer.
Norovirus, C. difficile, or Cryptosporidium
Name two times healthcare workers should specifically use soap and water.
When hands are visibly soiled, before eating, after using the restroom, or when caring for patients with suspected/confirmed C. difficile or norovirus during outbreaks.
Complete the chain: A student sneezes into their hand → touches a doorknob → another student touches it → then touches their ______.
Eyes, nose, or mouth, allowing germs to spread.