Final answer:
A CNA should wash hands with friction for at least 20 seconds, focusing on commonly missed areas and ensuring proper technique to prevent infection spread and maintain hand hygiene.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) should use friction when lathering and washing hands for at least 20 seconds. This includes rubbing liquid soap over the hands and paying special attention to areas that are often missed, such as the thumbs, wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. Using a nail brush can be ideal for cleaning under the fingernails. For health-care workers, handwashing is of utmost importance and should be thorough, especially between patient contact and after contact with bodily fluids. The washing technique involves letting the water flow from the wrist to the fingertips during rinsing to prevent contamination up onto the arms.
Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections in medical settings. It is the first line of defense against the spread of diseases. Therefore, healthcare professionals should adhere to the recommendations for proper handwashing to ensure patient safety and to maintain personal hygiene.