Safety & Infection ControlQuestion 36 of 100
A technician has cared for a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), whose spores are not killed by alcohol. What is the correct hand hygiene method after this care?
a.Alcohol-based hand rub only
b.No hand hygiene is needed if gloves were worn
c.A quick water rinse
d.Wash hands with soap and running water
Explanation
C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs, so hands must be washed with soap and running water to physically remove them. The friction and rinsing action mechanically removes spores that alcohol cannot destroy. Alcohol rubs are appropriate for most other organisms when hands are not visibly soiled.
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