CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyEasy
A nurse aide uses an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead of soap and water after assisting a resident who has no visible soiling. How long should the aide rub the hands together with the sanitizer?
- AAbout 2 minutes
- BAbout 20 seconds, until hands feel dry
- CAbout 5 seconds
- DUntil the sanitizer is applied, no rubbing needed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. About 20 seconds, until hands feel dry
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be rubbed over all surfaces of the hands for about 20 seconds, until the hands feel dry, to effectively kill germs. This mirrors the recommended duration for handwashing with soap and water.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Two minutes is excessive and unnecessary for sanitizer use.
- C. 5 seconds is too short to allow the alcohol to kill microorganisms.
- D. Rubbing is necessary to spread sanitizer over all hand surfaces.
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Use
An acceptable alternative to soap and water for hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, requiring about 20 seconds of rubbing.
- Only effective on hands that are not visibly dirty
- Must cover all surfaces of hands and fingers
- Not effective against C. diff spores—soap and water required instead
Memory trick: Rub for 20, like humming happy birthday twice.