Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control during a patient examination as it significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections. Proper hand hygiene involves cleansing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before and after patient contact, after handling potentially contaminated materials, or before performing any invasive procedures.

This practice is essential not only for protecting the healthcare provider but also for safeguarding patients from potential infections. When hands are properly sanitized, it helps to eliminate or reduce the presence of pathogens that can cause illness, thus maintaining a safer healthcare environment.

While wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a mask are also important aspects of infection control, they should be part of a broader strategy that includes regular hand hygiene. Gloves, for example, should be used when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids, but they do not replace the need for handwashing, as germs can still be transmitted if hands are not cleaned properly before or after glove use.