Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

Proper hand washing involves?

1. Using soap only on palms

2. Lathering all surfaces of your fingers, hands, and wrists, and using friction to wash for at least 20 seconds

3. Rinsing hands quickly under water

4. Cleaning hands with a wet cloth

The correct answer is: Lathering all surfaces of your fingers, hands, and wrists, and using friction to wash for at least 20 seconds

Proper handwashing is a critical practice for infection control and personal hygiene. The correct answer involves thoroughly lathering all surfaces of the fingers, hands, and wrists while using friction to wash for at least 20 seconds. This method is effective because it helps remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring that all areas of the hands are cleaned, including often overlooked spots such as the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. The requirement for using friction adds another layer of effectiveness to the washing process, as it dislodges pathogens that might be adhering to the skin. The CDC and other health organizations recommend this comprehensive approach to handwashing as a standard practice to prevent the spread of infections. In contrast, simply using soap only on the palms does not ensure the complete cleaning of the hands, as it neglects other areas that can harbor germs. Rinsing the hands quickly under water is insufficient because it does not allow enough time for the soap to effectively remove contaminants. Similarly, cleaning hands with a wet cloth does not provide the thorough cleaning necessary, as it does not apply soap nor does it incorporate the essential friction needed to eliminate pathogens effectively.