A nurse is assisting with the development of a staff in-service about hand hygiene. The nurse should include which of the following instructions regarding the use of hand sanitizer?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Dry excess sanitizer from hands with a paper towel: Hand sanitizer should be allowed to dry naturally, and there is no need to wipe it off with a paper towel. Wiping off the sanitizer could reduce its effectiveness in killing germs. B. Rubs hands together for 10 seconds after applying sanitizer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds to ensure that the hand sanitizer covers all surfaces of the hands and effectively kills germs. C. Apply enough sanitizer to completely cover both hands: It is important to apply a sufficient amount of hand sanitizer (usually about a dime-sized amount) to cover both hands entirely. The sanitizer should be rubbed into all areas of the hands, including between fingers and under nails, until the hands are dry. D. Clean sanitizer from under fingernails using an orangewood stick: This is unnecessary if the sanitizer is applied properly and rubbed in completely. Hand sanitizer should be used to cover all areas of the hands, including under fingernails, and should be allowed to dry naturally without needing to clean it with a stick.