Infection Control for PSWs

Infection control shows up everywhere on the PSW exam — and for good reason. Stopping the spread of germs is one of the most important things you'll do to keep clients safe every day.

The best part? These topics are very learnable. Master the basics below and you'll handle these questions with confidence.

The 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene

1. Before touching a client.
2. Before a clean or care procedure.
3. After body fluid exposure risk.
4. After touching a client or their surroundings.

Remember: clean before to protect the client, clean after to protect everyone else.

Proper Hand Washing Steps

1. Wet hands with warm running water.
2. Apply soap and lather well.
3. Rub all surfaces — palms, backs, between fingers, under nails — for 15–20 seconds.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Dry with a clean paper towel.
6. Use the towel to turn off the tap.

Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap and Water

• Alcohol-based sanitizer — quick and effective when hands are not visibly dirty.
• Soap and water — required when hands are visibly soiled, or after certain germs (like C. difficile).

PPE Order: Donning and Doffing

Putting on (donning): Gown → Mask → Eye protection → Gloves.

Taking off (doffing): Gloves → Eye protection → Gown → Mask, then clean your hands.

Memory tip: dress from the body outward; undress from the dirtiest item first.

Common Exam Questions

• "When should you wash your hands?" → the 4 moments.
• "What do you remove first when taking off PPE?" → gloves.
• "Hands are visibly dirty — what do you use?" → soap and water.