A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which action should the nurse take for hand hygiene to be effective?

Rub soap on hands for 20 seconds.

Allow hands and arms to dry.

Hold the hands higher than the elbows.

Adjust the water temperature to feel hot.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Effective hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations provide guidelines on proper hand hygiene techniques to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Choice A Reason:

“Rub soap on hands for 20 seconds.”

This is the correct action for effective hand hygiene. According to the CDC, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds is essential to remove germs effectively. This duration ensures that all surfaces of the hands, including the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. The CDC recommends singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice as a timer to ensure you scrub for the full 20 seconds.

Choice B Reason:

“Allow hands and arms to dry.”

While drying hands is an important step in hand hygiene, it is not the primary action that makes hand hygiene effective. The focus should be on the thorough scrubbing and cleaning of the hands. After washing, hands should be dried using a clean towel or air dryer to prevent the transfer of germs from wet hands.

Choice C Reason:

“Hold the hands higher than the elbows.”

This technique is often used in surgical hand antisepsis to prevent water from running from the hands down to the elbows, potentially contaminating the hands again. However, for routine hand hygiene, this is not necessary. The primary focus should be on the thorough washing and scrubbing of the hands.

Choice D Reason:

“Adjust the water temperature to feel hot.”

The temperature of the water is less important than the act of scrubbing itself. The CDC states that hands can be washed with either warm or cold water. The key is to use soap and scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Hot water can actually be harsh on the skin and is not required for effective hand hygiene.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Referring a client because the unit is too busy is not an appropriate reason for a healthcare referral. Referrals should be based on the client’s specific needs and the expertise required to address those needs. Overcrowding or busyness of a unit should be managed through internal resources and staffing adjustments rather than referrals.

Choice B reason: When the care needed for the client is out of the healthcare provider’s scope of practice, a referral is necessary. This ensures that the client receives the appropriate level of care from a specialist or another provider with the required expertise. Referrals help in providing comprehensive and specialized care that the initial provider may not be equipped to deliver.

Choice C reason: Referring a client because they do not have insurance is not appropriate. Healthcare providers should assist clients in finding resources and support for their care needs, regardless of their insurance status. Referrals should be based on clinical needs, not financial or insurance considerations.

Choice D reason: Referring a client because they are late is not a valid reason for a healthcare referral. Timeliness is important, but it should not determine the need for a referral. Providers should address the reasons for lateness and work with the client to ensure they receive the necessary care.

A. History of hypothyroidism B. Pacemaker C. History of narcolepsy D. Indwelling catheter

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: A history of hypothyroidism is not a contraindication for magnet therapy. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, but it does not interfere with the use of magnetic fields. Therefore, patients with hypothyroidism can safely use magnet therapy.

Choice B reason: Having a pacemaker is a significant contraindication for magnet therapy. Magnetic fields can interfere with the functioning of pacemakers, potentially leading to serious complications. Patients with pacemakers should avoid magnet therapy to prevent any risk of device malfunction.

Choice C reason: A history of narcolepsy is not a contraindication for magnet therapy. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness, but it does not interact with magnetic fields. Therefore, patients with narcolepsy can use magnet therapy without concern.

Choice D reason: An indwelling catheter is not a contraindication for magnet therapy. Indwelling catheters are used for urinary drainage and do not interact with magnetic fields4. Patients with indwelling catheters can safely undergo magnet therapy.

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A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. Which action should the nurse take for hand hygiene to be effective?

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Correct Answer is B

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