The use of CHG as part of a PHHP had not been
reported before and therefore required vigilance to
observe concerns and side effects. Patients’ hands
were assessed before each application by the primary
ICU nurse as well as twice a week by a member of
the study team. CHG exposure to mucous membranes
may cause tissues to become red and irritated.19
Two cases of mucous membrane irritation due to
patients touching their eyes before their hands were
dry that resulted in mild eye irritation were observed
by an ICU nurse. Following these 2 episodes, the
entire ICU team was reeducated on the need for CHG
to dry before touching the face. Another CHG concern
was reported by an ICU nurse, who observed
an elevated glucose result after performing a bedside
glucose test on a patient who had just had his hands
cleansed with CHG. The patient’s glucose level was
checked again after the finger was cleaned with
alcohol and revealed a value near the patient’s baseline, which was confirmed with laboratory
results on a venipuncture sample. The incorrect
glucose result associated with CHG cleansing was
communicated to the entire ICU team through
immediate educational training. Resistance to
CHG was not examined in the study but should
be considered in future investigations.