Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

Which part of the hand should be particularly scrubbed during hand washing?

1. The palms only

2. The wrist area

3. Between the fingers

4. Everyone should wash for the same duration

The correct answer is: Between the fingers

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of cleaning between the fingers during hand washing. This area is often overlooked, yet it is a common site for accumulating dirt and germs. Proper hand hygiene involves scrubbing all parts of the hands thoroughly, but attention to the spaces between the fingers is crucial for effectively removing pathogens. When washing hands, it's not sufficient to focus solely on the palms, wrists, or to adhere to a standardized duration for all individuals without considering technique. Each of these areas, including between the fingers, plays a role in limiting the transmission of infections. Thus, when teaching proper handwashing techniques, it is vital to instruct individuals to interlace their fingers and ensure that soap reaches these often-neglected areas for a thorough clean. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, where the risk of spreading infections is heightened.