Question

A colleague tells you that hand washing isn't necessary after removal of gloves. How do you respond?

A) Agree and follow their advice.
B) Politely share the correct hand hygiene protocol.
C) Ignore the comment and continue with your tasks.
D) Report the colleague to the supervisor.

Answer 1

Hand washing is necessary even after the removal of gloves to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections. Follow the CDC's recommended handwashing steps and practice proper hand hygiene.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hand washing is necessary even after the removal of gloves. It is an important practice to prevent the spread of pathogens and infections. According to the CDC, handwashing should be done before and after food handling, interacting with someone who is ill, using the toilet, coughing or sneezing, handling garbage, and touching animals or their waste.

The proper handwashing method involves wetting your hands with clean, running water, applying soap, lathering and scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds, rinsing them thoroughly, and drying them with a clean towel or air dryer.

By washing your hands properly, you can effectively remove pathogens and reduce the risk of transmitting them to others or contaminating yourself.

Answer 2

You should respond to the advice from a colleague that hand washing isn't necessary after glove removal by politely sharing the correct hand hygiene protocol. Handwashing is essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections, as dictated by CDC guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a colleague tells you that hand washing isn't necessary after the removal of gloves, the correct response is B) Politely share the correct hand hygiene protocol. Handwashing is critical for maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the transmission of pathogens, especially in a healthcare environment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare workers should always wash their hands after the removal of gloves, as gloves can have microtears or contaminants can reach the hands during glove removal. The recommended process involves thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following the CDC's five-step handwashing guidelines. Failure to wash hands after glove removal can contribute to the spread of infections.

Although reporting negligence to a supervisor could be warranted in cases where a colleague repeatedly ignores safety protocols, in this case, it would be more productive to educate the colleague on the importance of proper hand washing to ensure that policies are followed in the future.