Column 1
What is the primary reason for practicing hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
To prevent the transmission of infections
What percentage of alcohol should hand sanitizer contain to be effective?
60%
Name a situation when handwashing with soap and water is preferred over hand sanitizer?
When hands are visibly dirty and/or exposure to pathogens like C. difficile
What is the correct sequence for handwashing according to the CDC?
Wet hands, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, dry
How many times can you use hand sanitizer before washing with soap is recommended?
Around 5-10 times, or when hands feel sticky
Alcohol based hand sanitizers are effective against all types of germs?
False
What part of the hand is often missed during handwashing?
Fingertips and underneath fingernails
Which is the recommended method to dry hands in a healthcare setting?
Paper towels
What percentage of healthcare associated infections could be prevented by proper hand hygiene?
50%
Wearing gloves eliminates the need for hand hygiene?
False
Which ingredient in hand sanitizer is responsible for killing pathogens?
Alcohol (i.e. ethanol or isopropanol)
Name a germ that alcohol based hand sanitizers are less effective against...
Norovirus, C. difficile
List examples when you would use hand hygiene
1. Before and after touching a patient
2. Before a clean/aseptic procedure
3. After touching patient surroundings or belongings
4. After exposure with bodily fluids
What type of soap is recommended for the healthcare setting?
Antimicrobial soap
Healthcare professionals need to dry their hands completely after washing and returning to work
Who is considered the "father of hand hygiene" for introducing handwashing in medical settings? Known as the pioneer of antiseptic procedures
Ignaz Semmelweis
Hot water is more effective than cold water for killing germs during handwashing
False.. water temperature does not significantly affect germ removal
Can antibacterial soap kill viruses?
No. Antibacterial soap targets bacteria, but it is the mechanism of scrubbing that can remove viruses
Does air drying your hands kill more germs than paper towels?
No. Paper towels are more effective because they physically remove germs
What term describes the unconscious transfer of germs when proper hand hygiene is missed?
Cross-contamination
What is the most common germ found on hands?
Staphylococcus bacteria
What day is recognized as Global Handwashing Day?
October 15th
Aside from handwashing, what are other ways to curb the spread of infection?
Good personal hygiene
Don proper PPE when necessary
Get vaccinated against infectious diseases annually
When should you change your gloves?
When dirty or torn
Before starting a new task
In between patients
You should always use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door after washing
True