COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

In contact-based transmission precautions, which item should not be used?

1. Bleach

2. Hand sanitizer

3. Gloves

4. Gowns

The correct answer is: Hand sanitizer

In contact-based transmission precautions, the focus is on preventing the spread of infections through direct or indirect contact with patients or their environment. Among the options provided, hand sanitizer is generally not preferred in scenarios where contact precautions are enforced, mainly because it may not effectively remove certain types of pathogens that can be present on contaminated surfaces or skin. Bleach is often used for disinfection purposes in healthcare settings and can effectively eliminate various pathogens. Gloves are essential personal protective equipment that helps create a barrier between the healthcare worker and the patient, minimizing the risk of infection transmission. Gowns provide additional protective coverage, especially when there is a risk of coming into contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces. While hand sanitizer is beneficial for hand hygiene, in situations where contact precautions are required, thorough handwashing with soap and water is often recommended, especially if hands are visibly soiled or if there is a risk of exposure to certain pathogens. Therefore, in the context of contact-based transmission precautions, the use of hand sanitizer could be deemed inappropriate compared to the other items listed.