Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is the best practice for CNA when conducting a handwashing procedure?

1. Use hot water only

2. Wash for at least 20 seconds

3. Use a sterile cloth to dry hands

4. Rinse hands briefly under water

The correct answer is: Wash for at least 20 seconds

Washing hands for at least 20 seconds is recognized as the best practice for hand hygiene in the healthcare setting, particularly for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). This duration is crucial because it allows sufficient time for the soap to effectively remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the skin's surface. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this time-frame as part of the proper handwashing technique. A thorough scrub for at least 20 seconds helps ensure that all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers, around the nails, and up to the wrists, are thoroughly cleansed. This practice is essential in preventing the spread of infectious agents, especially in a clinical environment where the risk of transmission is heightened. Using hot water only, drying hands with a sterile cloth, or rinsing hands briefly under water do not meet the established handwashing guidelines. Effective hand hygiene emphasizes the importance of both the duration and technique of washing rather than temperature or method of drying.