Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Workers | Hand Washing Soap and Water Technique Nursing Skill

Summary

This video demonstrates proper hand hygiene techniques using soap and water, explaining when to choose this method over alcohol-based hand rubs. It emphasizes handwashing before and after patient care, after contact with body fluids, and in specific situations like exposure to infectious agents. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to wash hands thoroughly, covering areas such as the palms, backs of hands, thumbs, fingers, and wrists. The process concludes with safe drying techniques to prevent contamination. Proper hygiene is crucial for infection prevention in healthcare settings.

Takeaways

• 👐 There are two main ways to perform hand hygiene: using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• ⏰ Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient care, after contact with body fluids, touching patient surroundings, removing gloves, before eating, and after using the restroom.
• 🧼 Soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty, after exposure to C. difficile, during norovirus outbreaks, and when handling anthrax or infectious diarrhea cases.
• 💧 Warm water is preferred, as hot water can dry and crack the skin, making it uncomfortable.
• 💍 Remove or avoid jewelry during patient care, as it can harbor germs. If a ring is worn, it should be washed along with the hands.
• 🌀 Scrub hands in circular motions for at least 20 seconds to remove germs effectively, covering palms, backs of hands, thumbs, and in between fingers.
• 💅 Pay special attention to fingernails and knuckles, where bacteria tend to hide.
• 🖐️ Scrub wrists and go about one inch above them while cleaning.
• 🚿 Rinse hands with water running downward from wrists to fingertips to avoid spreading germs up the arms.
• 📄 Dry hands by patting with a paper towel, and use a dry paper towel to turn off the faucet to avoid contamination.

Q & A

What are the two ways a nurse can perform hand hygiene?

A nurse can perform hand hygiene using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

When should hand hygiene be performed according to the video?

Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient care, after contact with body fluids, an open wound, or surfaces close to the patient, after removing gloves, before eating, and after using the bathroom.

When is it recommended to use soap and water instead of an alcohol-based hand rub?

Soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty, after exposure to Clostridium difficile (C. diff) or norovirus, during outbreaks, after exposure to Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), before eating, and after using the restroom.

Why is it important to avoid touching the inside of the sink while washing hands?

The inside of the sink is considered dirty and can cause contamination if touched, potentially undoing the hand hygiene process.

How much soap should be used when performing hand hygiene with soap and water?

About 1 teaspoon or 5 milliliters of soap should be used, which is often dispensed automatically.

What areas of the hands should be scrubbed during hand washing, and for how long?

The palms, backs of hands, thumbs, fingers (including around fingernails), knuckles, and wrists should be scrubbed using circular motions for 20 seconds.

Why is it important to scrub the hands using circular motions?

Circular motions help to effectively remove germs and bacteria from all areas of the hands, especially small crevices where germs may hide.

What should be done after rinsing the hands to ensure proper hygiene?

After rinsing, hands should be patted dry with a paper towel to avoid damaging the skin, and a separate dry paper towel should be used to turn off the faucet to avoid recontamination.

Why shouldn't a wet paper towel be used to turn off the faucet?

A wet paper towel can allow germs from the faucet to transfer through the towel and recontaminate the hands.

Why is it recommended to avoid wearing jewelry during hand hygiene, and what should be done if a wedding band is worn?

Jewelry can harbor germs, and if a wedding band is worn, it should be kept on during hand hygiene to ensure it is cleaned along with the hands.