What is the most appropriate answer to the client’s question, “What’s

What is the most appropriate answer to the client’s question, “What’s the difference between an-tibacterial and antimicrobial hand soaps?”

1. “There is no real difference; use the less expensive.”
2. “Antibacterial soaps are more effective at preventing infections.”
3. “Antimicrobial soap is better since it won’t kill the good bacteria on the skin.”
4. “Any soap will do; it’s the technique for proper hand washing that is the key.”

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The use of antimicrobial hand hygiene products is recommended because they remove transient organisms but leave resident flora intact. There is a difference in the products and it is true that the effectiveness of hand hygiene is dependent on proper technique, but the client’s question is best answered by the information provided in option 3.