Safety & Infection ControlQuestion 61 of 200
Alcohol-based hand rub is preferred over soap and water EXCEPT when:
a.Hands are visibly soiled, after caring for a C. difficile or norovirus patient, before eating, after toileting
b.After removing gloves following care for a resident who is not on isolation precautions and whose skin was intact
c.Before donning clean gloves for a routine care task
d.Between residents during routine care on the same hallway
Explanation
CDC guidance: alcohol-based hand rub (60-95% alcohol) is preferred for most clinical encounters because it is fast and more effective than handwashing for non-spore organisms. However, soap-and-water handwashing is required when hands are visibly soiled, after caring for C. difficile or norovirus (spores survive alcohol), before eating, and after using the restroom. Other situations (b, c, d) are appropriate for alcohol rub.
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