Surgical Infection Control, Hand Washing

Question 1

What is the most common mode of pathogen transmission

Answer 1

the hands

Question 2

what are the 4 purposes of hand washing

Answer 2

1. reduce # of microorganisms
2. reduce risk of transmission to patients
3. reduce risk of cross contamination among patients
4. reduce risk of transmission of infectious organisms to self

Question 3

When should you wash your hands

Answer 3

• when they are visibly dirty
• after touching contaminated objects with bare hands
• before and after treatment

Question 4

Is hand sanitizer acceptable

Answer 4

yes, if hands are not visibly soiled

Question 5

What things can we do to make our hands less susceptible to bacteria

Answer 5

• keep nails short
• try to avoid cuts/scrapes
• remove jewelry