According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), use of an alcohol-based hand...

According to theCDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines,alcohol-based hand sanitizershould be used:

Before and after direct patient contact(if hands are not visibly dirty).

Before and after wearing gloves(if no contamination is visible).

Before handling medication or sterile supplies.

A. Are about to touch a contaminated surface❌→Incorrect

Hand sanitizer should not be used before touching a contaminated surface.Instead, gloves should be worn, and hand hygiene should be performedaftertouching a contaminated surface.

B. Have just performed an aseptic task❌→Incorrect

Before aseptic tasks (e.g., preparing IV medications), soap and water or hand sanitizer is used.Afterward, contamination risk determines if sanitization is needed.

C. Are about to remove their gloves❌→Incorrect

Gloves do not completely prevent contamination; hand hygiene should be performedafterremoving gloves, not before.

CDC Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings– Recommends hand sanitizer use after patient contact.

USP <797> Sterile Compounding Guidelines– Reinforces aseptic hand hygiene practices.

PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers infection control and proper use of hand hygiene techniques.

Why Not the Other Options?Key References: