HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Which statement describes the concept of a surgical hand scrub?

1. Water should only run down the hands

2. Water should be allowed to flow towards the fingertips

3. Allow water to drain up the arm and off the elbow

4. Scrubs should be performed without water

The correct answer is: Allow water to drain up the arm and off the elbow

The correct statement regarding the concept of a surgical hand scrub is that water should be allowed to drain up the arm and off the elbow. This technique is essential in maintaining a sterile environment during surgical procedures. The rationale behind allowing water to flow in this manner helps prevent contaminants from the forearms and elbows from re-entering the sterile areas of the hands and fingers. Effectively, as water flows down, it can carry bacteria or debris toward the sterile area, which is not ideal in a surgical context. During the scrub process, it is crucial to ensure that once the hands and forearms are thoroughly cleansed, any residual water (which may carry contaminants) should not flow back down towards the hands. Instead, it should drain away from them, thereby assisting in the overall goal of reducing the risk of infection during surgery. This practice aligns with the principles of asepsis and infection control in the surgical setting.