Question

quiz: performing hand hygiene (canada nurse)

1. in which situation would it be appropriate for the nurse to use an antiseptic hand rub to perform

a ○ the nurse has dry, cracked skin
b ○ the nurse’s hands are not visibly soiled
c ○ the nurse is sensitive to antimicrobial soap
d ○ the nurse has been exposed to body fluids

Explanation:

To determine the appropriate situation for using an antiseptic hand rub, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Dry, cracked skin would not be a reason to use a hand rub; in fact, dry skin might require different care, and hand rubs can further irritate dry skin.
• Option B: Antiseptic hand rubs are recommended when hands are not visibly soiled. This is a standard guideline in hand hygiene (e.g., from CDC or nursing hand - hygiene protocols). When hands are not visibly dirty, a hand rub is a quick and effective way to kill germs.
• Option C: Sensitivity to antimicrobial soap would not be a reason to use a hand rub. If a nurse is sensitive to antimicrobial soap, alternative soaps or hand - washing methods (not necessarily a hand rub) would be considered, and hand rubs also have active ingredients that could cause sensitivity.
• Option D: If a nurse has been exposed to body fluids, hands are considered visibly soiled (or potentially contaminated with pathogens that require more thorough cleaning), and hand - washing with soap and water is recommended, not a hand rub.

Answer:

B. The nurse's hands are not visibly soiled