Answers to Case Studies
Mrs. Njeri may scrub with soap and water, pour 3-5 mL of alcohol or an alcohol handrub solution onto her hands, and rub her hands together until they are dry.
To prevent skin irritation from too-frequent scrubbing, Nurse Wafula can use 3-5 mL of an alcohol handrub solution between clients, and then scrub every hour or after every four clients (whichever comes first).
Dr. Mwari may scrub with soap and water and then pour 3-5 mL of alcohol or an alcohol handrub solution onto his hands, and rub it in until it is dry.
No. The scrub nurse was correct to hand the sterile towel to Dr. Montha and to hold open the sterile gown for her. However, a staff member who is sterile should never tie the back of a sterile gown, since the back of the gown is not sterile. A nonsterile person should tie the gown instead.
Yes. Even by lightly brushing his fingertip against the edge of the counter, Dr. Amin's glove has become contaminated, and he should change his gloves before proceding with surgery. Instruments and other items are either sterile or unsterile--there is no such thing a being "a little bit contaminated." This is an important concept to understand regarding aseptic technique.
No. Gauze is not an acceptable material for masks. Because gauze is loosely woven, even several layers of thickness do not afford a proper barrier.