The nurse teaches the client hand washing before discharge and asks for a return demonstration. Which client behavior indicates that the client is ready for discharge?

Question

1. Washes hands with running water
2. Washes hands with soap and water
3. Washes hands with very hot water
4. Washes hands in warm, soapy basin

Answer 1

2
2. The client understands that proper hand washing requires soap and water to re-move microorganisms from the skin and to rinse them away.
1. Running water is insufficient to wash hands properly because water alone cannot remove as many microorganisms as soap and water can remove.
3. The client risks tissue, dry skin, and irritation from hot water. The client uses warm water to allow sufficient time for hand scrubbing under the water.
4. Washing hands in a basin may remove surface debris, but the hands are not decon-taminated because the debris is in the rinse water.