Hand Washing Notes for Nursing Students

Hand Washing Notes
Prepared by: Shahista Mansuri


Definition:
Hand washing is the process of cleaning hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer to
remove dirt, germs, and microorganisms.


Purpose of Hand Washing:
- To prevent the spread of infection
- To break the chain of infection
- To promote personal hygiene
- To protect patients, healthcare workers, and the community


When to Wash Hands (WHO’s 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene):
1. Before touching a patient
2. Before aseptic procedures
3. After body fluid exposure risk
4. After touching a patient
5. After touching patient surroundings


Types of Hand Washing:
1. Routine Hand Wash – With plain soap and water for general cleanliness (e.g., before
eating)
2. Antiseptic Hand Wash – With antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine)
3. Surgical Hand Wash – Thorough scrub with antiseptic up to elbows (before surgery)
4. Hand Sanitizing – Using alcohol-based rub (at least 60% alcohol)


Steps of Hand Washing (WHO technique):
1. Wet hands with water
2. Apply enough soap
3. Rub palms together
4. Rub back of hands
5. Interlace fingers
6. Clean thumbs
7. Rub fingernails on palms
8. Rinse hands under clean water