Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What is the single best way to decrease the transfer of pathogens?

1. Wearing gloves

2. Using hand sanitizer

3. Hand washing

4. Disinfecting surfaces

The correct answer is: Hand washing

Hand washing is recognized as the single most effective method to decrease the transfer of pathogens. This practice involves using soap and clean, running water to physically remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the hands. The mechanical action of scrubbing combined with soap helps to dislodge and wash away microbes that can cause infections. While wearing gloves can provide a barrier to protect both the caregiver and the patient, it is important to remember that gloves can still become contaminated and may give a false sense of security. Using hand sanitizer can be effective when soap and water are not available, but it does not remove dirt and is less effective against certain types of germs, especially if hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Disinfecting surfaces is crucial in preventing the spread of pathogens in the environment, but it does not directly address the transfer of pathogens from one person to another, particularly in health care settings. Ultimately, proper hand washing techniques, including washing for at least 20 seconds and ensuring that all parts of the hands are cleaned, significantly reduce the likelihood of transmitting infections, making it the best practice in infection control.