Hand Scrubbing

Question 1

Where to tie the upper and lower strings of the mask?

Answer 1

Upper: Tied above the ear
Lower: Back of the neck

Question 2

Hand scrubbing process

Answer 2

Performed by the sterile team members to remove as many microorganism as possible from the hands and forearms prior to surgical procedure

Question 3

What to do before hand scrubbing?

Answer 3

Don on OT attire which include, 2 piece pantsuit, cap, surgical mask, with or without visor, and OT clogs/ shoe covers.

Question 4

What to do after hand scrubbing?

Answer 4

Gowning and gloving

Question 5

Purpose of hand scrubbing #1

Answer 5

Remove natural skin oil, hand lotion, debris and transient micro-organism from the skin surface of the hand, nails and forearms

Question 6

Purpose of hand scrubbing #2

Answer 6

Reduce the number of resident micro-organism from skin of hands, nail and forearms to a minimum

Question 7

Purpose of hand scrubbing #3

Answer 7

Inhibit growht of microbes through the presence of anti-microbial residue on skin surface of hands and forearms

Question 8

Types of surgical hand scrub

Answer 8

#1 Rubbing method 
#2 Counted brush stroke method

Question 9

Assess the suitability for scrubbing

Answer 9

1. Skin condition - rashes, dermatitis, infection, open leision or cuts
2. Health status - flu, cough or conjunctivitis

Question 10

Planning for hand scrubbing (Self)

Answer 10

1. Finger nails - clean and short, no nail polish
2. No jewelries
3. Don on proper OT attire, hair is tucked completely within the cap
4. Nose and mouth are covered snugly with surgical mask with visor

Question 11

Planning for hand scrubbing (Environment)

Answer 11

1. Floor is clean and dry
2. Humidity (50-60%), temperature (18 to 22 degree)
3. Good lighting

Question 12

Planning for hand scrubbing (Equipment)

Answer 12

1. Ensure that the sink is clean - functioning well
2. Sufficient amount of antimicrobial agent (chlorhexidine gluconate 4% or Povidine 1% solution)
3. Sufficient number of hand brush
4. Sterile hand towel pack
5. Correct sterile glove size
6. Sterile glove

Question 13

Accuracy #1

Answer 13

Keep hands higher than elbow at all times so that they are free from contamination

Question 14

Accuracy #2

Answer 14

Always rinse the hand that is being scrubbed first

Rationale: for anti-micrboial agent to act on the skin to inhibit bacterial growth

Question 15

Accuracy #3

Answer 15

Ensure both hands and forearms are thoroughly dried from finger tips to 5cm above albow

Question 16

Accuracy #4

Answer 16

Expose all skin surfaces of hands and forearm to anti-microbial action and friction

Question 17

Hand Scrub evaluation

Answer 17

Check fingertips and six planes of both hands from fingers to 5cm elbow are scrubbed

Question 18

Drying hand evaluation

Answer 18

Check both hands are thorougly dry from fingertips to 5cm above elbow

Question 19

Surgical asepsis evaluation

Answer 19

Keep hands elevated and free fromm contamination at all times throughout the whole procedure

Question 20

Purpose of drying hands and forearms

Answer 20

Hands and forearms must be dried thoroughly prior to donning of sterile gown to prevent contamination of sterile gown through organism from wet skin surfaces