Which of the following are the correct steps of handwashing?

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

This option presents the most complete and accurate sequence for handwashing as recommended by major health organizations like the WHO.
The procedure begins with palm-to-palm rubbing to distribute soap.
It systematically includes cleaning the back of the hands, between the fingers (interlacing), the back of fingers (interlocking), and rotational rubbing of thumbs and fingertips.
The sequence correctly concludes with rinsing the hands to remove pathogens and soap residue.
Following these steps methodically is crucial for effective infection control.

Option B: This option is incomplete. It omits the initial essential step of rubbing palm to palm and the final step of rinsing the hands.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it omits a critical step: rubbing the right palm over the left dorsum with fingers interlaced. This step is necessary to clean the back of the hands.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct and complete sequence is provided in Option A.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Procedural Steps of Medical Handwashing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), protecting both patients and healthcare workers.
Proper technique ensures the removal of transient microorganisms acquired during patient care, breaking the chain of infection.
Nurses must perform hand hygiene at 5 key moments: before touching a patient, before a clean/aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which asks for the correct sequence of a standard nursing procedure (handwashing).
Mentally recall or visualize the established steps for handwashing, often displayed on posters in clinical settings.
Carefully read each option, treating it as a complete sequence.
Compare each option against the standard procedure. Look for both the correct order and the inclusion of all critical steps.
Eliminate options that are incomplete (missing steps) or incorrectly ordered.
Select the option that provides the most comprehensive and correctly sequenced list of actions, which in this case is the first option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QUlLQTZ4FDrOj6UUyHcQ5m

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 38-40

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 184-186

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 249-251

Practise the full Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.