Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the most effective measure a CNA can take to prevent the spread of infection?

1. Wear gloves

2. Use hand sanitizer

3. Wash their hands

4. Limit contact with residents

The correct answer is: Wash their hands

Washing hands is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection because it physically removes pathogens from the skin's surface. Handwashing with soap and water is crucial, especially after providing care, using the restroom, or handling potentially contaminated surfaces, as it helps eliminate bacteria and viruses effectively. Proper technique, which includes scrubbing for at least 20 seconds and washing all parts of the hands, enhances its efficacy. While wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer, and limiting contact with residents can help reduce the risk of infection, these measures are not as comprehensive as proper handwashing. Gloves can provide a barrier but do not eliminate the need for hand hygiene, as contaminants can still be present on the skin before gloving or after doffing gloves. Hand sanitizers are useful when soap and water are not available, but they may not be effective against all types of germs, particularly when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Limiting contact with residents is a preventative measure but does not address the transmission of infections that can occur through routine care activities. Thus, handwashing stands out as the cornerstone of infection control practices.