What constitutes proper hand hygiene for a CNA?

Proper hand hygiene is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections and maintain patient safety. The correct practice involves washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer before and after patient interactions. This method is effective in removing germs that may not be visible, as well as reducing the risk of transmitting infections to patients or between patients.

Washing hands with soap and water is especially important when hands are visibly soiled or after certain activities, such as using the restroom. However, using hand sanitizer is also a recommended practice when soap and water are not available, as long as the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. This dual approach before and after patient interactions ensures optimal cleanliness and safety for both the caregiver and the patients.

The other options do not align with the recommended guidelines for proper hand hygiene. For instance, washing hands only when visibly dirty neglects the fact that pathogens can be present even when hands appear clean. Similarly, using hand sanitizer solely after patient interactions fails to account for potential contamination during care. Lastly, relying solely on gloves as a substitute for handwashing is insufficient, as gloves can sometimes tear or become contaminated, so hand hygiene remains essential regardless of glove use.