What is the correct sequence of handwashing steps before providing resident care?

• A. Wet hands; apply soap; lather for at least 20 seconds; scrub all surfaces (including between fingers and under nails); rinse; dry with a disposable towel; and use the towel to turn off the faucet.
• B. Wet hands; rinse; apply soap; wipe dry; turn off faucet with bare hand.
• C. Apply soap; wet hands; rinse; dry; then wash again.
• D. Dry hands first; apply soap; rinse; then wash again.

Answer: (A)

Proper handwashing before providing resident care follows a specific sequence to maximize germ removal and prevent recontamination. Start by wetting hands with clean running water, then apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails. Rinse thoroughly to remove the loosened germs and soap. Dry hands with a disposable towel, and use that towel to turn off the faucet, avoiding touching the faucet with clean hands and risking recontamination. This order ensures soap has enough contact time to lift oils and microbes, covers all areas, and prevents recontamination at the final step.

Other sequences fail because they interrupt the proper order (for example, rinsing before soap or drying before washing) or omit the crucial towel-used final step, which can reintroduce germs onto clean hands.