Final answer:
A nursing assistant should wash her hands with friction for at least 20 seconds, covering all hand areas and using a nail brush if necessary. Thorough rinsing and drying are essential, with increased frequency and care in a healthcare setting, especially when involved in invasive procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nursing assistant should use friction when lathering and washing her hands for at least 20 seconds. The process of handwashing involves proper lathering with soap to cover all areas of the hands, including the thumb, wrists, areas between the fingers, and under the nails. Using a nail brush can be beneficial for removing debris or microorganisms that may be present under the fingernails.
Following the lathering, it's important to rinse the hands thoroughly, allowing the water to flow from the wrist to the fingertips. This technique ensures that any washed-off microorganisms are not carried back up the arm. The final step is to dry the hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air blower and use a towel to turn off the faucet and open doors when feasible.
For health-care workers, handwashing frequency increases, especially between patient contact or after exposure to bodily fluids and potential infectious agents. It is even more critical before and after assisting with invasive procedures. While surgical scrubbing is more thorough than routine handwashing, following the manufacturer's recommendations for antimicrobial use and the scrubbing protocol is essential.