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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Cured fat foods, such as bacon, sausages, and other processed meats, are high in saturated fats and sodium. Consuming these foods in excess can lead to increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. Limiting these foods is essential for maintaining a healthy diet and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Choice B Reason:

Vegetables are generally low in calories and high in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are an important part of a balanced diet and should not be limited. Instead, increasing vegetable intake is often recommended for better health outcomes.

Choice C Reason:

Canned soups often contain high levels of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Limiting the intake of canned soups can help manage sodium consumption and promote better heart health.

Choice D Reason:

Processed snacks, such as chips, crackers, and packaged baked goods, are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. These foods can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Reducing the intake of processed snacks is beneficial for overall health.

Choice E Reason:

Sugary drinks, including sodas, fruit juices with added sugars, and energy drinks, are high in calories and can lead to weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Limiting sugary drinks is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases.

A. Applying compression stockings B. Raising all side rails C. Inserting a urinary catheter D. Using friction-reducing devices

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Applying compression stockings is a key prophylactic intervention to prevent complications of immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Compression stockings help improve blood circulation in the legs by applying graduated pressure, which reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the deep veins. This is particularly important for immobile patients who are at higher risk of developing DVT due to prolonged periods of inactivity.

Choice B reason: Raising all side rails is primarily a safety measure to prevent falls and does not directly address the complications of immobility. While it is important for patient safety, it does not have a significant impact on preventing issues like DVT, pressure ulcers, or muscle atrophy. Therefore, it is not considered a prophylactic intervention for immobility-related complications.

Choice C reason: Inserting a urinary catheter is not a prophylactic intervention for preventing complications of immobility. Catheters are used to manage urinary retention or incontinence but can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) if not managed properly. They do not address the primary complications associated with immobility, such as DVT or pressure ulcers.

Choice D reason: Using friction-reducing devices is important for preventing pressure ulcers and skin injuries in immobile patients. These devices help minimize friction and shear forces on the skin, which can lead to pressure ulcers. While this is a valuable intervention, it is not as comprehensive as compression stockings in preventing a range of immobility-related complications.

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