Describe the process of handwashing.

Describe the process of handwashing.

• A. Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for at least 10 seconds, rinse and dry
• B. Wet hands, apply soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse and dry completely
• C. Only wet hands without soap
• D. Use hand sanitizer as a substitute for washing

Answer: (B)

The process of handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining good hygiene. The correct method, which includes wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying completely, is based on guidelines from health organizations emphasizing effective hand hygiene. Wetting the hands is essential as it helps to loosen dirt and allows the soap to spread more easily. Applying soap is a critical step because soap molecules help to lift dirt, grease, and microbes off the skin. The scrubbing should last at least 20 seconds because this duration is sufficient for the friction produced by rubbing hands together to effectively dislodge germs. The areas between fingers, under nails, and around wrists must be cleaned, as these spots often harbor pathogens. After scrubbing, rinsing is necessary to wash away the loosened dirt and germs. It’s important to rinse thoroughly to ensure that all soap is removed, as soap residue can irritate the skin. Finally, drying hands completely is important because germs can transfer more easily to and from wet surfaces. While other choices may suggest washing or alternatives to handwashing, they lack the thoroughness required for effective hand hygiene as endorsed by health recommendations. For example, merely wetting hands without

The process of handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining good hygiene. The correct method, which includes wetting hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying completely, is based on guidelines from health organizations emphasizing effective hand hygiene.

Wetting the hands is essential as it helps to loosen dirt and allows the soap to spread more easily. Applying soap is a critical step because soap molecules help to lift dirt, grease, and microbes off the skin. The scrubbing should last at least 20 seconds because this duration is sufficient for the friction produced by rubbing hands together to effectively dislodge germs. The areas between fingers, under nails, and around wrists must be cleaned, as these spots often harbor pathogens.

After scrubbing, rinsing is necessary to wash away the loosened dirt and germs. It’s important to rinse thoroughly to ensure that all soap is removed, as soap residue can irritate the skin. Finally, drying hands completely is important because germs can transfer more easily to and from wet surfaces.

While other choices may suggest washing or alternatives to handwashing, they lack the thoroughness required for effective hand hygiene as endorsed by health recommendations. For example, merely wetting hands without