Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Why is it important to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing hands?

1. To dry hands effectively

2. To prevent pathogens from contaminating clean hands

3. To save water

4. To avoid touching the faucet handle

The correct answer is: To prevent pathogens from contaminating clean hands

Using a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing hands is crucial because it helps prevent pathogens from contaminating clean hands. After thoroughly washing, your hands may still be exposed to germs that could be residing on the faucet handle. By using a paper towel to turn off the faucet, you create a barrier between your clean hands and any potential contaminants present on the handle, thereby maintaining hand hygiene and reducing the risk of spreading illness. This practice is a part of proper handwashing techniques and emphasizes the importance of keeping hands clean throughout the entire washing process. Maintaining this cleanliness is particularly important in settings such as healthcare where infection control is paramount.