Final answer:
A nursing assistant should use friction for at least 20 seconds when washing her hands. This timeframe is necessary to ensure the effective removal of pathogens from the skin. Important areas to thoroughly clean include the thumb, wrist, between fingers, and under nails.
Step-by-step explanation:
An NA, or nursing assistant, should use friction for at least 20 seconds when washing her hands. This duration is recommended by the CDC and health professionals because it ensures that a sufficient amount of time has been spent washing to effectively eliminate germs, microbes, and pathogens from the skin's surface. It's necessary to apply about 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid soap and rub it all over the hands, making sure to cover the most commonly missed areas like the thumb, wrist, areas between fingers, and skin under the nails. Then, rinse thoroughly with water flowing from the wrist to the fingertips so as not to contaminate the arms.
Learn more about Hand Washing