RN Exam Practice
Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 347 of 2368

A nurse is cleaning the skin with an alcohol swab before an injection. Which technique is correct?

  1. Wipe once in a straight line across the site, then inject at once
  2. Rub in a circular motion for 30 seconds and let the area dry for 30 seconds
  3. Rub in a circular motion for 5 seconds and fan the area until dry
  4. Rub from the edge toward the center for 10 seconds, then inject at once
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Correct answer: Rub in a circular motion for 30 seconds and let the area dry for 30 seconds

The skin is rubbed in circles for 30 seconds and allowed to dry for 30 seconds.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administration of Parenteral Medications: Prepare Patient’s Skin. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026