ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which statement about hand hygiene and skin care is true?

1. Hands should be cleansed before and after each patient examination

2. Faucets should be opened and closed with paper towels

3. Hands should be smooth and free from chapping

4. Any cracks or abrasions should be left uncovered to facilitate healing

The correct answer is: Hands should be cleansed before and after each patient examination

The statement regarding the necessity of cleansing hands before and after each patient examination is accurate and aligns with best practices in infection control. Effective hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of pathogens and ensure patient safety. It is widely recommended by health authorities that healthcare workers should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after every patient encounter. This practice minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and protects both patients and healthcare providers. In contrast, while the other statements may touch on relevant aspects of hygiene and skin care, they do not directly address the most critical components of hand hygiene protocols. For instance, while it is beneficial to use paper towels to turn off faucets to avoid recontamination of hands, this practice alone does not encompass the broader requirement of hand hygiene practice. Furthermore, hands should indeed be smooth and free from chapping, but this statement does not highlight the specific actions required to maintain proper hygiene before and after patient interactions. The notion of leaving cracks or abrasions uncovered contradicts recommended skin integrity maintenance practices, where covered and protected skin is important to prevent infection.