Which action is correct when performing hand hygiene in CNA care?

Which action is correct when performing hand hygiene in CNA care?

• A. Wash hands before and after care.
• B. Skip hand hygiene if rushed.
• C. Reuse gloves for all tasks.
• D. Do not wash hands after care.

Answer: (A)

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infections in CNA care. Washing hands before you start care reduces the chance of transferring germs to the patient or their environment, and washing hands after you finish care removes any organisms you may have picked up, preventing them from spreading to the next task or resident. Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing; they can have tiny breaches or contaminate surfaces when removed, and relying on gloves for all tasks can give a false sense of security. Skipping hand hygiene when rushed increases infection risk, and reusing gloves across different tasks is not allowed. After care, hands should always be washed. Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or after certain high-risk exposures; otherwise an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is appropriate for routine situations.

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infections in CNA care. Washing hands before you start care reduces the chance of transferring germs to the patient or their environment, and washing hands after you finish care removes any organisms you may have picked up, preventing them from spreading to the next task or resident. Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing; they can have tiny breaches or contaminate surfaces when removed, and relying on gloves for all tasks can give a false sense of security. Skipping hand hygiene when rushed increases infection risk, and reusing gloves across different tasks is not allowed. After care, hands should always be washed. Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or after certain high-risk exposures; otherwise an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is appropriate for routine situations.