What is the correct procedure for hand hygiene before resident care?

The correct procedure for hand hygiene before resident care involves wetting the hands and wrists, applying soap, rubbing the hands together for at least twenty seconds, and then rinsing thoroughly. This method is crucial because it ensures that all surfaces of the hands, including the wrists, are cleansed effectively, which helps remove dirt, contaminants, and pathogens. The action of rubbing the hands together creates friction that assists in dislodging any harmful microorganisms.

Wetting the hands beforehand primes them for soap application, allowing the soap to create a lather that further aids in cleaning. The requirement to rub the hands for a minimum of twenty seconds follows guidelines set by health authorities, promoting effective removal of germs. Rinsing thoroughly afterwards ensures that any remaining soap and dislodged contaminants are washed away, leaving the hands clean and safe for patient interaction.

Options that do not involve this complete process fail to provide adequate hygiene. For example, drying hands before applying soap would not remove pathogens effectively, and rinsing immediately after applying soap wouldn’t allow sufficient time for the soap to work. Using hand sanitizer instead of soap and water can be insufficient in certain situations, especially when hands are visibly dirty or involve certain types of contaminants, thus making traditional handwashing the preferred method in