Safety & Infection ControlQuestion 41 of 200

Effective handwashing with soap and water requires a minimum of:

a.5 seconds of scrubbing
b.20 seconds of vigorous friction with soap covering all surfaces, including between fingers, under nails, wrists
c.Rinsing under cold water without soap
d.Air-drying without towel

Explanation

CDC handwashing guidance specifies at least 20 seconds of vigorous friction with soap on all hand surfaces, including between fingers, under nails, and wrists, then rinse and dry with a clean towel, turning off the faucet with the towel. Five seconds (a) is inadequate; rinse alone (c) does not remove organic soil and pathogens; air-drying (d) is slower and not standard in clinical care. Handwashing is the single most important infection-control measure.

Law Reference: CDC Standard Precautions; WHO 'My 5 Moments'

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