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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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 handwashing,repeat the handwashing procedure utilizing antiseptic soap.There is no need to inform the physician or be relieved of this assignment.If the hands are contaminated when touching the sink,drying hands and proceeding with the procedure could possibly contaminate and contribute to increased microbial counts during the procedure,resulting in infection for 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 utilizing antiseptic soap.

The Nurse Is Performing Hand Hygiene Before Assisting a Physician