Infection ControlQuestion 59 of 100
An assistant's hands are visibly soiled with saliva after removing gloves. What is the correct hand hygiene action?
a.Apply an alcohol-based hand rub and continue working
b.Wash hands with soap and running water, because alcohol rubs are not effective on visibly soiled hands
c.Wipe hands with a surface disinfectant wipe
d.Put on a second pair of gloves without any hand hygiene
Explanation
When hands are visibly soiled they must be washed with soap and running water, since alcohol-based rubs do not remove organic material and lose effectiveness in its presence. Alcohol rubs are appropriate only for hands that are not visibly soiled. Surface disinfectants are formulated for environmental surfaces and must never be applied to skin, and double gloving without hand hygiene traps contamination against the skin.
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