When a patient's hands are not visibly dirty, which action is generally preferred for routine hand hygiene before touching the patient?

Correct answer: B. Use an alcohol-based hand rub

  • A. Wash with soap for 10 seconds
  • B. Use an alcohol-based hand rub
  • C. Wipe hands with a dry towel
  • D. Put on gloves without cleaning hands

Explanation

Alcohol-based hand rub is effective for routine hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled. Soap and water is required when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with certain organisms such as C. difficile spores.

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About Infection Prevention and Asepsis

Asepsis covers the chain of infection, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, standard and transmission-based precautions, sterilisation, disinfection and safe waste disposal. The key distinction is between medical asepsis, which reduces microorganisms, and surgical asepsis, which maintains a sterile field during invasive procedures.

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