Question

This is the minimum amount of time that a PTA must wash their hands before and after contact with a patient.

a. 20 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 30 seconds
d. 15 seconds

Answer 1

PTAs should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before and after patient contact, in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

The minimum amount of time that a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) should wash their hands before and after contact with a patient is 20 seconds. This recommendation aligns with the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that health-care workers thoroughly clean their hands to prevent the spread of pathogens. These guidelines specify that a proper handwashing should cover all parts of the hands and fingernails, and can involve humming the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice to keep time.