Question

To decontaminate their hands with an alcohol-based gel, the nurse should rub their hands together until all of the gel has been evaporated and their hands are dry. Which of the following is the correct rationale for why hands should be rubbed together until dry?

Answer 1

The hands should be rubbed together until an alcohol-based gel is dry because the alcohol needs sufficient contact time to denature proteins and disrupt microbial cell membranes effectively. Full evaporation ensures maximum decontamination and prevents residue that can harbor new germs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rationale for rubbing the hands together until an alcohol-based gel is fully evaporated is rooted in how alcohol acts as a decontaminant. When a nurse or healthcare professional rubs their hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the friction combined with the alcohol's properties mechanically removes pathogens. Alcohol is effective at denaturing proteins and disrupting microbial cell membranes, but it needs sufficient contact time to be effective. As the gel is rubbed in and allowed to evaporate fully, the alcohol remains in contact with the skin long enough to exert its full decontaminating effect. This process also ensures that no residue is left which might collect new germs or create an environment conducive to microbial growth.