Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

According to health guidelines, how long should CNAs scrub their hands during the hand washing procedure?

1. 10 seconds

2. 15 seconds

3. 20 seconds

4. 30 seconds

The correct answer is: 20 seconds

When practicing proper hand hygiene, health guidelines recommend that individuals, including CNAs, should scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds during the handwashing procedure. This duration is deemed effective for removing dirt, pathogens, and other contaminants from the skin, thus preventing the spread of infections and maintaining a safe environment for both caregivers and patients. The 20-second guideline is based on research showing that this length of time significantly enhances the effectiveness of handwashing. By scrubbing for this duration, you ensure that all surfaces of the hands, including the backs, sides, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. This is particularly crucial in healthcare settings where the risk of infection transmission is higher. In contrast, shorter durations, such as 10 or 15 seconds, may not adequately clean the hands, leaving pathogens behind. While 30 seconds may provide an even greater level of cleanliness, health guidelines prioritize 20 seconds as a practical and effective standard for routine handwashing.