Question

Policy and procedure dictate that hand washing is a requirement when caring for clients. Which statement about hand washing is true?

1) Hand washing is not necessary when caring for clients
2) Hand washing should only be done after caring for clients
3) Hand washing is only required for certain types of clients
4) Hand washing is a requirement when caring for clients

Answer 1

The true statement is that hand washing is a requirement when caring for clients, as it is vital for preventing the spread of pathogens and maintaining a safe healthcare environment. Proper hand hygiene involves thorough washing with soap and water, following specific steps to ensure all areas of the hands are cleaned.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about hand washing that is true is that hand washing is a requirement when caring for clients. Effective hand washing is crucial for reducing the spread of pathogens, which can prevent infections and protect both clients and healthcare providers. The correct procedure for hand washing includes the following steps:

1. Wet hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap, covering all parts of the hands and fingers.
3. Rinse thoroughly, ensuring that the water flows from the wrist to the fingertips.
4. Dry hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.

It’s important to wash hands before and after interacting with a client, after removal of gloves, and after contact with bodily fluids. Furthermore, clinical settings often call for more stringent handwashing procedures, such as surgical scrubbing before invasive procedures. In essence, proper hand hygiene is a safeguard against the transmission of infections and is an essential routine in healthcare environments.