Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What are the required handwashing facilities in a long-term care facility?

1. Warm water and paper towels only

2. Soap, hot and cold water, and a step-on trash can

3. Antibacterial soap and no need for paper towels

4. Hot water only

The correct answer is: Soap, hot and cold water, and a step-on trash can

The requirement for handwashing facilities in a long-term care facility centers on ensuring proper infection control and hygiene practices. The correct answer includes soap, both hot and cold water, along with a step-on trash can. This combination promotes effective hand hygiene by providing adequate temperature control for washing, which is essential for removing contaminants. Soap is crucial for breaking down dirt and microbes on the skin, while the presence of both hot and cold water allows for comfortable and effective washing experiences. Having a step-on trash can is significant as it maintains cleanliness by enabling users to dispose of used paper towels without needing to touch the can lid, thereby preventing the spread of germs. This setup aligns with infection prevention protocols critical in long-term care settings, where vulnerable populations are at higher risk for infections. The other options do not fully address the comprehensive needs for hand hygiene in these facilities. For instance, merely having warm water and paper towels lacks the crucial component of soap, which is necessary for cleaning. Antibacterial soap without paper towels overlooks the importance of effective drying, which is part of the hand hygiene process. Additionally, having hot water only does not provide the user with the flexibility of temperature and completely lacks the soap and disposal considerations necessary for comprehensive handwashing practices.