Question

which of the following actions by a pharmacy technician demonstrates proper handwashing hygiene in a sterile environment? scrubbing under watches and rings; using clean hands to turn the water faucet off; drying hands and forearms with a lint - free towel; scrubbing hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 60 seconds

Explanation:

• For "Scrubbing under watches and rings": Jewelry (watches, rings) should be removed before handwashing in a sterile environment as they can harbor bacteria, so scrubbing under them is not proper.
• For "Using clean hands to turn the water faucet off": After washing, using clean hands to turn off the faucet can re - contaminate hands as the faucet handle may be contaminated. Usually, a paper towel or elbow is used.
• For "Drying hands and forearms with a lint - free towel": In a sterile environment, drying hands and forearms with a lint - free towel is part of proper handwashing hygiene. Lint - free towels prevent introducing lint (which can contaminate sterile areas) and effectively dry the skin, which is important as wet hands can harbor more bacteria.
• For "Scrubbing hands vigorously with soap and water for at least 60 seconds": The recommended time for proper handwashing (especially in non - surgical sterile environments like pharmacy sterile compounding) is at least 20 seconds, not 60 seconds.

Answer:

C. Drying hands and forearms with a lint - free towel