Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is the single most important action an NA can take to prevent the spread of disease?

1. A. Carry dirty linen close to her uniform

2. B. Wash and dry her disposable gloves before reusing them

3. C. Remove gloves before cleaning spills

4. D. Wash her hands

The correct answer is: D. Wash her hands

Washing hands is widely recognized as the single most important action to prevent the spread of disease. This fundamental practice helps eliminate pathogens that can cause infections and is crucial in maintaining hygiene in healthcare settings. Every time caregivers interact with patients, perform tasks, or come into contact with surfaces that might be contaminated, handwashing significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections. Additionally, handwashing is effective because it disrupts and removes contaminants that may be present on the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations strongly emphasize hand hygiene, especially in environments like hospitals and long-term care facilities, where the risk of infection is higher. The other options do not adequately contribute to disease prevention. For example, carrying dirty linen close to the uniform can lead to contamination, while attempting to wash and reuse disposable gloves does not maintain the standard of infection control, as gloves are meant for single use only. Removing gloves before cleaning spills alone does not address the need for hand hygiene after glove removal, making it insufficient as a standalone action for disease prevention.