Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A registered nurse (RN) is orienting an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to the clinical nursing unit. The RN determines that the UAP needs further teaching if which action is performed by the UAP during a routine hand-washing procedure?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The UAP needs further teaching if they wash continuously for only 10 to 15 seconds, as proper hand-washing requires at least 15 to 20 seconds of continuous scrubbing to effectively remove pathogens. Keeping hands lower than elbows is correct to allow water to flow from the cleaner area (forearms) to the dirtier area (hands). Drying from forearm to fingers is appropriate to prevent recontamination of hands. Using 3 to 5 mL of soap is adequate for effective cleaning.