Question

If the hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic for routine decontamination of the hands except:

1) Before eating
2) After using the restroom
3) After coughing or sneezing
4) Before touching a patient

Answer 1

Traditional handwashing with soap and water is required before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and before touching a patient to reduce pathogen transmission.

Step-by-step explanation:

When hands are not visibly soiled, health-care workers may use an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic for routine decontamination. However, there are specific situations where traditional handwashing with soap and water is preferred. You should always wash your hands with soap and water:

1. Before eating.
2. After using the restroom.
3. After coughing or sneezing.
4. Before touching a patient.

These measures are vital to reduce the transmission of pathogens and ensure safety in clinical settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean commonly missed areas such as under the fingernails and between the fingers. Moreover, the procedure for surgical hand scrubbing is even more rigorous, aiming to significantly reduce skin microbiota.