HANDWASHING – Purpose, Articles Needed and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)
Hand-washing is most important and basic technique used in preventing and controlling, transmission of pathogens. It is vigorous brief rubbing together of all surfaces of hands lathered in soap and followed by rinsing under a stream of water
PURPOSE
- To remove soil and transient microorganism
- To reduce total microbial counts overtime
- To prevent cross infection
- To protect herself from infection and prevents the spread of infection to others
ARTICLES USED
- Soap in a soap dish
- Tap water or water in a container
- Nail brush
- Bucket to receive water
- A mug or chamber for pouring water
- Towel to wipe wet hands
PROCEDURE
- Place the community bag on newspaper
- Remove watch, bangles, rings in a safe place or place it in the pocket
- Open unsterile compartment and remove hand washing set
- Place newspaper and keep hand washing things near the washing area
- Turn on the tap or ask family member to pour water
- Scrub for 2-3 minutes with nail brush, wash soap and hands with water
- Hold hands up to prevent water from coming back down
- Dry hands with hand towel
