Final answer:
The fingertips, areas between the fingers, and under the fingernails require special attention during a surgical hand scrub to prevent the introduction of microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. An effective scrubbing technique involves thorough cleaning of these areas, using soap and water, and brushing under the nails.
Step-by-step explanation:
Areas That Require Special Attention During a Surgical Hand Scrub
The area of the hands that requires special attention before beginning a surgical hand scrub is the fingertips, along with the areas between the fingers, and under the fingernails. These areas are usually the most at risk for harboring bacteria and are often the most neglected during regular handwashing. During a surgical hand scrub, it is crucial to start from the fingertips and extend the scrubbing to the hands and forearms, moving up beyond the elbows when necessary.
Procedure for Effective Surgical Hand Scrubbing
Wet hands with warm water, keeping hands below the forearms to prevent contaminated water from moving from the hands to the arms.
Apply approximately 5 mL of liquid soap and rub it all over the hands for at least 20 seconds.
Pay particular attention to the cleaning under fingernails, using a nail brush as necessary to remove any debris or microorganisms.
Make sure to cover additional commonly missed areas, such as the backs of the hands, the wrist, and the skin under the nails, which are often overlooked during routine handwashing.
Following these guidelines helps maintain a high standard of hygiene, crucial for preventing postsurgical infections, as pioneered by the surgical practices of British surgeon Joseph Lister.