The nurse is performing hand hygiene before assisting a physician with insertion of a chest tube.While washing hands,the nurse touches the sink.What is the next action the nurse should take?

A) Inform the physician and recruit another nurse to assist.
B) Rinse and dry hands,and begin assisting the physician.
C) Repeat hand hygiene,using antiseptic soap.
D) Extend the hand hygiene procedure to 5 minutes.

Question

Collin Sarver · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The inside of the sink and the counter at the edges of the sink,faucet,and handles are considered contaminated areas.If the hands touch any of these areas during hand hygiene,the nurse should repeat the hand hygiene procedure with antiseptic soap.There is no need to inform the physician or be relieved of this assignment.If the hands are contaminated from touching the sink,drying hands and proceeding with the procedure could possibly contaminate materials,contribute to increased microbial counts during the procedure,and result in infection in the patient.Extending the time for washing the hands (although this is what will happen when the procedure is repeated)is not the focus.The focus is to repeat the whole hand hygiene procedure with antiseptic soap.

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