Summary
Highlights
The video introduces two main methods of hand hygiene for nurses: using soap and water, and alcohol-based hand rubs. It outlines scenarios when hand hygiene is crucial, such as before and after patient care, after contact with body fluids, touching patient surroundings, removing gloves, before eating, and after using the bathroom.
According to CDC guidelines, soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty, after known or suspected exposure to Clostridium difficile (C-diff) or infectious diarrhea, during norovirus outbreaks, suspected exposure to Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), before eating, and after using a restroom.
The necessary supplies include soap, paper towels, and running water. The video discusses different faucet types and the importance of warm water to prevent skin dryness. It also advises against wearing jewelry as it can harbor germs, and if a wedding band is worn, it should be kept on during washing to clean it.
First, turn on the warm water, ensuring hands are lower than elbows to prevent germ spread. Wet wrists and hands, then apply about one teaspoon (5 milliliters) of soap. Lather hands and wrists thoroughly.
Scrub hands and wrists for 20 seconds using circular motions to remove germs. Focus on palms, back of hands, thumbs, individual fingers, knuckles, in-between fingers, and under fingernails by scraping them against the palm. Extend scrubbing to about one inch above the wrists.
Rinse hands under running water, allowing water to flow downwards from wrists to fingertips. Pat hands dry with a paper towel, avoiding scrubbing to protect skin. Discard the wet paper towel.
Use a fresh, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet, preventing recontamination of cleaned hands. Discard the second paper towel. The video concludes by reiterating the importance of proper hand hygiene.