Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What is an essential practice for maintaining hand hygiene?

Using only antiseptic wipes
Washing hands with plain soap and water
Using alcohol-based hand rubs
B and C only

The correct answer is: B and C only

Maintaining hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The combination of washing hands with plain soap and water, as well as using alcohol-based hand rubs, provides a comprehensive approach to effectively eliminate pathogens. Washing hands with plain soap and water is essential when hands are visibly soiled or when caring for patients with specific infections that require stringent infection control measures. This method effectively removes dirt, grease, and a broad spectrum of germs, especially when performed for at least 20 seconds, ensuring thorough cleaning. On the other hand, using alcohol-based hand rubs is highly effective for reducing the number of germs on hands when they are not visibly dirty. Alcohol-based formulations typically contain at least 60% alcohol, which works quickly to kill most types of germs. Both practices are crucial for effective hand hygiene, and relying solely on antiseptic wipes may not be sufficient, as their efficacy can vary and they do not typically remove dirt or organic matter as effectively as soap and water or alcohol rubs do. Therefore, selecting the combination of washing with soap and water along with the use of alcohol-based hand rubs is essential for optimal hand hygiene practices in healthcare settings.