During hand washing, which surfaces should be scrubbed?

During hand washing, which surfaces should be scrubbed?

• A. Rinse wrists only.
• B. Lather all surfaces (wrists, hands, & fingers).
• C. Only wash fingertips.
• D. Wash forearms.

Answer: (B)

Thorough hand washing means cleaning every part of the hands and wrists to remove germs that can transfer to residents or objects. Scrub all surfaces—wrists, hands, and fingers—so soap and friction reach every area, including between the fingers and under the nails. If you only rinse the wrists, or only wash fingertips, or focus just on the forearms, significant areas remain dirty and germs can still be spread. Cleaning all these surfaces provides the strongest protection in routine CNA infection control.

Thorough hand washing means cleaning every part of the hands and wrists to remove germs that can transfer to residents or objects. Scrub all surfaces—wrists, hands, and fingers—so soap and friction reach every area, including between the fingers and under the nails. If you only rinse the wrists, or only wash fingertips, or focus just on the forearms, significant areas remain dirty and germs can still be spread. Cleaning all these surfaces provides the strongest protection in routine CNA infection control.