Review Questions

1. When should you wash your hands?

Wash your hands before fixing or eating food; after touching raw meat, raw poultry, raw fish, or raw eggs; after meals and snacks; after using the toilet; after changing diapers (remember to wash the hands of the diapered child too!); after helping a child at the toilet; whenever hands come in contact with body fluids including vomit, saliva, and runny noses; and after playing outside or touching animals. Basically, wash your hands as often as possible to avoid spreading bacteria.

2. How should you wash your hands?

Wash your hands with soap and warm, running water. Scrub for 20 seconds and then rinse. Use paper towels to dry your hands.

3. How long should you scrub your hands?

Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. Then rinse.

4. How can you decrease outbreaks of diarrhea in daycares?

Diarrheal outbreaks in daycares could be cut in half by requiring staff to wash their hands—and the child’s hands—after changing diapers.

5. What is the difference between disinfecting and sanitizing?

Disinfecting refers to cleaning surfaces with the use of chemicals, which usually eliminates virtually all germs. Sanitizing is a less rigorous cleaning that removes filth or soil and some bacteria.

6. What items should be sanitized regularly?

Toys, kitchen surfaces (such as tables and counters), cutting boards, food preparation equipment (such as mixers), and high chair trays should be sanitized regularly.

7. How should you disinfect the surface you use to change diapers?

Disinfect the surface you use to change diapers with a disinfecting solution, which consists of one Tablespoon household bleach in one quart of water. Spray the solution on the surface used to change diapers. Allow one minute of contact time before wiping dry with a clean paper towel.