Routine Hand Hygiene Flashcards
Q: What is the key requirement for healthcare workers regarding hand hygiene according to NICE (2014)?
A: Healthcare workers must decontaminate their hands immediately before and after every episode of direct contact or care.
Q: What are transient microorganisms, and how are they acquired?
A: Transient microorganisms are acquired by healthcare workers during contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or direct care delivery.
Q: Why is hand hygiene critical in healthcare?
A: It breaks the chain of infection and reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).
Q: Name three ways HCAIs can occur due to inadequate hand hygiene.
A:
1. Transfer of the patient’s microorganisms to other body parts (not usually found)
2. Cross-infection between patients.
3. Transfer of microorganisms from the environment or equipment to a patient.
Q: What are the six critical points for hand hygiene?
A:
1. Before patient contact.
- Before clean/aseptic procedures.
- After patient contact.
- After contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin.
- After touching objects/equipment in the patient’s environment.
- After glove removal.
Q: When should soap and water be preferred over hand sanitiser?
A: After several uses of hand sanitiser.
When hands are visibly soiled.
After contact with bodily fluids.
When caring for patients with vomiting/diarrhoea.
After using the toilet.
Before handling food.
Q: What is the “bare below the elbows” policy?
A: Healthcare workers must wear short sleeves and avoid wrist/hand jewellery to ensure effective hand decontamination.
Q: How can frequent handwashing damage the skin, and what are recommended measures to mitigate this?
A: Frequent handwashing can cause irritation and dryness. Use moisturising hand cream regularly and pat hands dry instead of rubbing them.
Q: What are the steps in a correct handwashing technique?
A:
Wet hands and apply a generous amount of soap (HEEL)
Palm to palm rubbing - 10-15 seconds
Palm to back of hand, fingers interlaced.
Palm to palm, fingers interlaced.
Fingers interlocked.
Rotating thumbs in each palm.
Fingertips rubbed in the opposite palm.
Wrists rubbed, rotating.
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Q: What areas are most frequently missed during hand hygiene?
A: Fingertips and thumbs
Q: What precautions should healthcare workers take regarding gloves?
A: Gloves should be worn only when necessary, decontaminate hands after removal, and avoid over-reliance on gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene.
Q: What types of gloves should be avoided in clinical interventions?
A: Polythene gloves and, if possible, latex gloves due to potential sensitivities.
Q: Why should bar soap not be used in healthcare settings?
A: Bar soap can harbour microorganisms, so liquid soap in disposable cartridges is preferred.
Q: What role does skin care play in hand hygiene?
A: Frequent handwashing can irritate the skin. Proper skin care includes regular moisturising and using single-use nail picks instead of nail brushes.
Q: What are the symptoms of occupational dermatitis, and how can it be managed?
A: Symptoms include rash, redness, scaling, blistering, and cracking.
Management includes emollient creams and possibly temporary work adjustments.
