Answers to Case Studies
Answer to Case Study #1:
Hands should always be washed before and after contact with every client. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent transmission of infections.
If a sink with running water is not available, one of the following should be provided in each examination room:
- Soap, a bucket with a tap, and a basin
- Soap, a bucket and a pitcher
- A bottle of alcohol or a container of alcohol handrub solution
Wherever Dr. Karimov washes his hands, he should dry them with a clean towel, use a disposable towel, or allow his hands to air-dry, since towels used by more than one person can easily become contaminated.
Answer to Case Study #2:
Hands should always be washed immediately after arriving at work. Even though Mrs. Gueye's hands appeared to be clean, after having contact with her sick child and taking public transportation, her hands harbored many bacteria and infectious microorganisms. She should have stopped seeing clients and washed her hands as soon as she remembered, and she should wash her hands before and after contact with each client.
Answer to Case Study #3:
Hands should never be dipped in a community basin of water for washing or rinsing; water should always be free-flowing. Even if an antiseptic is added, microorganisms can live and multiply in water. In addition, the doctor should not dry his hands on a community towel. He should dry them with a disposable or personal towel or allow them to air-dry.
Answer to Case Study #4:
Water and mechanical friction (scrubbing or rubbing) do not sufficiently clean health care workers' hands. Health care workers must also use soap, which helps remove transient organisms and soil from the skin.
Dr. Baptiste should share the infection prevention manual that he received at the training with the supply agent and explain the advantage of using soap and water over using water alone. He could also recommend that the supply agent buy large bars of soap and cut them into several smaller bars, which is more economical and reduces the likelihood of contamination. If the supply agent is still unwilling to supply soap, Dr. Baptiste should pursue the matter with the chief medical officer or administrator.
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