ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

All the following rules regarding proper hand washing technique are correct except:

1. keep hands and forearms lower than elbows

2. use paper towels to turn water on

3. avoid using hand lotions whenever possible

4. carefully wash all surfaces and between fingers

The correct answer is: avoid using hand lotions whenever possible

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control in healthcare settings. Among the commonly upheld guidelines for proper hand washing technique, the use of hand lotions or moisturizers is often recommended, particularly in environments where frequent hand washing may lead to skin irritation or dryness. Using hand lotions helps keep the skin intact and can minimize the risk of developing dermatitis, which can compromise skin integrity and potentially increase the risk of infection. Therefore, avoiding the use of hand lotions is not aligned with current best practices that emphasize skin health. The other practices listed, such as keeping hands and forearms lower than the elbows, using paper towels to turn the water on, and carefully washing all surfaces including between the fingers, are all consistent with recommended hand hygiene techniques. These practices help maintain effective hand hygiene by preventing recontamination and ensuring that all areas of the hands are cleaned properly.