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Question 1

What should be used to wash hands if they are visibly soiled or dirty?

Answer 1

Non-antimicrobial liquid soap and water

This is particularly important when caring for patients with vomiting, diarrhoeal illnesses, or gastrointestinal infections.

Question 2

When should alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) be used?

Answer 2

In all other circumstances for routine hand hygiene during care

ABHRs are preferred when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 3

Before what actions should hand hygiene be performed?

Answer 3

• Touching a patient
• Clean or aseptic procedures
• After body fluid exposure risk
• After touching a patient
• After touching a patient’s immediate surroundings
• Before putting on gloves
• After removing gloves

These practices help minimize the risk of infection transmission.

Question 4

What is the purpose of respiratory and cough hygiene?

Answer 4

To minimize the risk of cross transmission of known or suspected respiratory illness pathogens

Effective respiratory hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings.

Question 5

What should be done when sneezing, coughing, or blowing the nose?

Answer 5

Cover the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or the crook of the arm

Used tissues should be disposed of promptly in a waste bin.

Question 6

What should be done after contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated objects?

Answer 6

Wash hands with non-antimicrobial liquid soap and warm water

This helps prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

Question 7

What should staff do if there is no running water available for hand hygiene?

Answer 7

Use hand wipes followed by ABHR and wash hands at the first available opportunity

It is important to keep contaminated hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Question 8

Who should staff help with respiratory and cough hygiene?

Answer 8

Those needing assistance, such as elderly and children

Staff should provide tissues, waste bags for used tissues, and hand hygiene facilities as necessary.