Question

quiz: performing hand hygiene (canada nurse)

1. how does soap work?

a ○ creates a sheetlike microscopic barrier between the skin and microorganisms in the
b ○ emulsifies fat and oil so that dirt and microorganisms can be mechanically removed
c ○ kills all microorganisms exposed to the lather
d ○ removes visible soiling but is ineffective in isolating, removing, or killing microorganis

Explanation:

To determine how soap works, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Soap does not create a sheet - like microscopic barrier between the skin and microorganisms. This is not the mechanism of soap action.
• Option B: Soap molecules have a hydrophobic (water - fearing) end and a hydrophilic (water - loving) end. The hydrophobic end can emulsify fat and oil (which often hold dirt and microorganisms). Once emulsified, the dirt and microorganisms can be mechanically removed (e.g., by rinsing with water). This is the correct mechanism of how soap works.
• Option C: Soap does not kill all microorganisms exposed to the lather. Antimicrobial agents like some disinfectants are responsible for killing microorganisms, while soap mainly helps in removal.
• Option D: Soap is effective in removing not just visible soiling but also helps in removing microorganisms by emulsifying the substances that hold them, so this option is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Emulsifies fat and oil so that dirt and microorganisms can be mechanically removed