Pharmacy Law Practice Exam

Which of the following is a recommended step for proper hand hygiene?

1. Dry hands with air dryer

2. Wash hands for 10 seconds

3. Wash hands with just water

4. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds

The correct answer is: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds is crucial for effective hand hygiene. This duration is recommended because it allows sufficient time for the soap to break down the oils and microorganisms on the skin, which is essential in removing dirt, pathogens, and other contaminants. Proper hand hygiene is particularly important in healthcare settings, where the risk of infection transmission is higher. While drying hands is also an important step in the hand hygiene process, using an air dryer does not directly impact the cleanliness of the hands themselves. Washing hands for a shorter period, like 10 seconds, is generally not enough to ensure that all harmful microbes are removed. Similarly, washing with just water does not effectively eliminate germs, as soap plays a vital role in disrupting the pathogens. Therefore, the most effective method for hand hygiene involves the use of soap and water for an adequate duration, making this answer the best choice.