Question

A wrestler tosses you a towel he’d been using to control his nosebleed, and you catch it with your bare hands. First, you should

A) Immediately wash any portion of your skin that comes in contact with blood.

B) Bag the towel, and then wash it in hot water and detergent.

C) Put on gloves, and place the towel in a biohazard waste bag.

D) Immediately wash your hands with alcohol.

E) Bag the towel, and then wash it in alcohol.

Answer 1

When catching a towel used by someone with a nosebleed, immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Thoroughly scrub all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse from the wrists to the fingertips. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, though it may not be as effective.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you catch a towel used by a wrestler with a nosebleed, it is important to immediately wash your hands with soap and water. Washing your hands thoroughly using soap can help prevent the transmission of pathogens that could have been present in the blood. The safe and recommended handwashing steps are:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turning off the tap afterward.
2. Apply an adequate amount of soap, about 5 mL, and lather well.
3. Rub your hands together, making sure to clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands under running water, ensuring the water runs from your wrists to your fingertips.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air blower, using a towel to turn off the faucet and open doors if possible.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a temporary measure, but be aware that it is not as effective against all pathogens, particularly if hands are visibly dirty or greasy.