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Questions and Answers
Which of the following factors does NOT increase susceptibility to infections?
Which of the following factors does NOT increase susceptibility to infections?
What is the acute stage of infection characterized by?
What is the acute stage of infection characterized by?
Which of the following is NOT considered a natural defense mechanism against infection?
Which of the following is NOT considered a natural defense mechanism against infection?
What is a common type of hospital-acquired infection (HAI)?
What is a common type of hospital-acquired infection (HAI)?
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Which stage of infection involves the interval between pathogen entry and symptom onset?
Which stage of infection involves the interval between pathogen entry and symptom onset?
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Which of the following statements about inflammatory response is true?
Which of the following statements about inflammatory response is true?
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Standard precautions in healthcare settings are based on which principle?
Standard precautions in healthcare settings are based on which principle?
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Which of the following nursing responsibilities is crucial for identifying the causative organism of an infection?
Which of the following nursing responsibilities is crucial for identifying the causative organism of an infection?
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What is a primary step in infection control?
What is a primary step in infection control?
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Occupational health services in healthcare aim to protect against which of the following?
Occupational health services in healthcare aim to protect against which of the following?
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What is the primary difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?
What is the primary difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?
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Which of the following statements about pathogenic microorganisms is correct?
Which of the following statements about pathogenic microorganisms is correct?
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How should hands be washed if they are visibly soiled?
How should hands be washed if they are visibly soiled?
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What role does the 'reservoir' play in the chain of infection?
What role does the 'reservoir' play in the chain of infection?
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Which of the following is NOT a method to promote medical asepsis?
Which of the following is NOT a method to promote medical asepsis?
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What is an example of a fomite in the context of infection transmission?
What is an example of a fomite in the context of infection transmission?
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What is the function of the 'portal of exit' in the chain of infection?
What is the function of the 'portal of exit' in the chain of infection?
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Which of the following statements about non-pathogenic microorganisms is true?
Which of the following statements about non-pathogenic microorganisms is true?
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What constitutes the final link in the chain of infection?
What constitutes the final link in the chain of infection?
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Which type of microorganism is not susceptible to antibiotics?
Which type of microorganism is not susceptible to antibiotics?
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What is the primary focus of surgical asepsis?
What is the primary focus of surgical asepsis?
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Which technique is considered the most effective for promoting medical asepsis?
Which technique is considered the most effective for promoting medical asepsis?
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What occurs if any link in the chain of infection is broken?
What occurs if any link in the chain of infection is broken?
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Which of the following types of microorganisms is responsible for causing disease?
Which of the following types of microorganisms is responsible for causing disease?
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What is the appropriate method for disposing of contaminated articles?
What is the appropriate method for disposing of contaminated articles?
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Which area is typically associated with surgical asepsis?
Which area is typically associated with surgical asepsis?
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What practice should be followed when cleaning linens to promote medical asepsis?
What practice should be followed when cleaning linens to promote medical asepsis?
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What type of cleansing is required when dealing with C.difficile?
What type of cleansing is required when dealing with C.difficile?
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Which component of the chain of infection refers to where pathogens can grow and reproduce?
Which component of the chain of infection refers to where pathogens can grow and reproduce?
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What is the correct order of cleaning surfaces to promote effective medical asepsis?
What is the correct order of cleaning surfaces to promote effective medical asepsis?
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Which statement accurately describes the role of vectors in infection transmission?
Which statement accurately describes the role of vectors in infection transmission?
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What is the significance of sensitivity testing in managing infections?
What is the significance of sensitivity testing in managing infections?
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In which stage of infection do patients primarily exhibit nonspecific symptoms?
In which stage of infection do patients primarily exhibit nonspecific symptoms?
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What is a common laboratory culture type used to identify urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
What is a common laboratory culture type used to identify urinary tract infections (UTIs)?
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Which of the following correctly describes the term 'fomites' in relation to infection control?
Which of the following correctly describes the term 'fomites' in relation to infection control?
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What characterizes systemic inflammation compared to localized inflammation?
What characterizes systemic inflammation compared to localized inflammation?
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Why are immunizations deemed essential in infection management for nurses and clients?
Why are immunizations deemed essential in infection management for nurses and clients?
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Which of the following factors does NOT significantly contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
Which of the following factors does NOT significantly contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
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What is the primary purpose of infection control practitioners in healthcare settings?
What is the primary purpose of infection control practitioners in healthcare settings?
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What impact do healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have on medical costs?
What impact do healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have on medical costs?
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Study Notes
Asepsis
- Asepsis is the absence of disease-producing microorganisms.
- Microorganisms are microscopic entities that can carry on living processes.
- Non-pathogenic microorganisms are harmless.
- Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease.
Types of Asepsis
- Medical asepsis, also known as clean technique, reduces the number, growth, and spread of microorganisms.
- Surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms and spores through sterilization.
- Hand hygiene is crucial in medical asepsis.
Methods to Promote Medical Asepsis
- Wash hands before and after client contact, including contact with inanimate objects in the room.
- Use alcohol-based cleansers, especially when going in and out of rooms.
- Wash hands with soap and water for 2 minutes if visibly soiled.
- Change linens, clean rooms, and discard contaminated articles properly.
- Use plastic moisture-resistant bags for soiled items.
- Pour liquids directly down the drain.
- Remove artificial nails, contain hair, and remove hand or wrist jewelry.
- Clean equipment between clients.
Chain of Infection
- The chain of infection consists of six elements required for the infectious process to take place.
- Breaking any link in the chain stops the infectious process.
Elements of the Chain of Infection
-
Infectious agents: Pathogens capable of causing disease.
- Bacteria (Strep, Staph, MRSA, VRE)
- Viruses (not susceptible to antibiotics)
- Fungi (yeast and molds)
- Protozoa (single-celled organisms often found in the GI system)
- Mites (can carry infectious agents)
-
Reservoir: Natural habitat that promotes growth and reproduction of infectious agents.
- Humans, animals, environmental sources (soil, dressings, medical equipment, etc.)
-
Portal of exit: The route by which the infectious agent leaves the reservoir.
- Breaks in the skin, body fluids, mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc.)
-
Mode of transmission: The means by which the infectious agent travels from the reservoir to the susceptible host.
- Vectors: Living carriers (people, animals)
- Fomites: Inanimate objects (stethoscopes, computers, pens, etc.)
- Air Currents: Airborne microorganisms
-
Portal of entry: The route by which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host.
- Usually the same as the portal of exit.
-
Susceptible host: A person or animal that is not immune to the infectious agent.
- Factors that increase susceptibility include:
- Stress
- Disease processes
- Medications
- Hereditary factors
- Fatigue
- Environmental factors
- Factors that increase susceptibility include:
-
Natural defense mechanisms: Prevent infection.
- Intact skin
- Shedding skin cells
- Sebum (oil on the skin)
- Saliva
- Mucus membranes
- Eye tearing and blinking
- Celia and mucus in the respiratory tract
- Flushing action of urine
- Gastric secretions in the GI tract
- Vaginal secretions
Stages of Infection
- Incubation period: Interval between pathogen entry and symptom onset.
- Prodromal stage: Nonspecific symptoms precede specific signs and symptoms.
- Acute stage: Specific signs and symptoms are present, often the most contagious period.
- Convalescence: Symptoms decrease and recovery begins.
Types of Infections
- Localized: Contained to a specific area or site.
- Systemic: Affecting the entire body.
Nursing Responsibilities
- Administer antibiotics or other medications as ordered.
- Assess the effectiveness of therapy.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Perform culture and sensitivity tests to identify the causative organism.
Nursing Care
- Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, from reporting lab results and monitoring patient progress to providing nutritional support.
- Nurses are responsible for implementing appropriate aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of infection.
Inflammatory Response
- Inflammation is the body's natural defense mechanism against injury or infection.
- It is triggered by physical, chemical, or microbial agents.
- Signs of inflammation include localized pain, redness (erythema), swelling (edema), warmth, and drainage.
- Systemic inflammation involves fever, increased white blood cell count (above 10,000), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and positive cultures.
Cultures
- Cultures are used to identify specific microorganisms causing infections.
- Common types include wound, blood, stool (SE), and urine cultures.
- Information on culture types can be found in the textbook on page 143, table 7.3.
Healthcare Associated Infections
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), formerly known as nosocomial infections, are common in healthcare settings.
- HAIs are acquired in the hospital and not present upon admission.
- They can significantly increase patient costs, especially if not covered by insurance.
- Common types include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), surgical site infections (SSIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAPs).
- HAIs are often spread through direct contact.
- Handwashing and maintaining a clean environment are crucial in preventing HAIs.
- Factors that increase risk include illness, low immunity, age, surgery, wounds, and certain medications.
Infection Control
- Infection control policies and procedures aim to minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases.
- Sterile technique is a key component of infection control.
- Handwashing is the primary step in infection control.
- Infection control practitioners educate staff, clients, and families on preventing infections.
- They track infection rates and identify sources, analyze data, and report contagious illnesses to relevant authorities.
Occupational Health Services
- Occupational health services protect healthcare workers and clients from infections.
- Employers are required to offer hepatitis B vaccines to employees at risk of exposure to blood or food.
- Immunizations and titer tests are often required.
- Needle stick exposures should be reported immediately.
- Injury reports should be completed, and follow-up care should be provided to ensure safety and health.
Standard Precautions
- Standard precautions are based on the principle that all bodily fluids are potentially infectious.
- Healthcare workers wear gloves, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Asepsis
- Asepsis is the absence of disease-producing microorganisms.
- Microorganisms are microscopic entities that can carry on living processes.
- Non-pathogenic microorganisms are harmless.
- Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease.
Types of Asepsis
- Medical asepsis, also known as clean technique, reduces the number, growth, and spread of microorganisms.
- Surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms and spores through sterilization.
- Hand hygiene is crucial in medical asepsis.
Methods to Promote Medical Asepsis
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and with alcohol-based hand sanitizer is essential.
- Clean equipment between clients to prevent spreading microorganisms.
- Discard contaminated articles properly to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use plastic moisture-resistant bags for soiled items to contain infectious materials.
- Remove artificial nails, contain hair, and remove hand or wrist jewelry – reducing the risk of transmitting microorganisms.
Chain of Infection
- The chain of infection consists of six elements required for the infectious process to take place.
- Breaking any link in the chain stops the infectious process.
Elements of the Chain of Infection
-
Infectious agents: Pathogens capable of causing disease.
- Bacteria (Strep, Staph, MRSA, VRE)
- Viruses (not susceptible to antibiotics)
- Fungi (yeast and molds)
- Protozoa (single-celled organisms often found in the GI system)
- Mites (can carry infectious agents)
-
Reservoir: Natural habitat that promotes growth and reproduction of infectious agents.
- Humans, animals, environmental sources (soil, dressings, medical equipment, etc.)
-
Portal of exit: The route by which the infectious agent leaves the reservoir.
- Breaks in the skin, body fluids, mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc.)
-
Mode of transmission: The means by which the infectious agent travels from the reservoir to the susceptible host.
- Vectors: Living carriers (people, animals)
- Fomites: Inanimate objects (stethoscopes, computers, pens, etc.)
- Air Currents: Airborne microorganisms
-
Portal of entry: The route by which the infectious agent enters the susceptible host.
- Usually the same as the portal of exit.
-
Susceptible host: A person or animal that is not immune to the infectious agent.
- Factors that increase susceptibility:
- Stress
- Disease processes
- Medications
- Hereditary factors
- Fatigue
- Environmental factors
- Factors that increase susceptibility:
-
Natural defense mechanisms: Prevent infection.
- Intact skin
- Shedding skin cells
- Sebum (oil on the skin)
- Saliva
- Mucus membranes
- Eye tearing and blinking
- Celia and mucus in the respiratory tract
- Flushing action of urine
- Gastric secretions in the GI tract
- Vaginal secretions
Stages of Infection
- Incubation period: Interval between pathogen entry and symptom onset.
- Prodromal stage: Nonspecific symptoms precede specific signs and symptoms.
- Acute stage: Specific signs and symptoms are present, often the most contagious period.
- Convalescence: Symptoms decrease and recovery begins.
Types of Infections
- Localized: Contained to a specific area or site.
- Systemic: Affecting the entire body.
Nursing Responsibilities
- Administer antibiotics or other medications as ordered.
- Assess the effectiveness of therapy.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Perform culture and sensitivity tests to identify the causative organism.
Nursing Care
- Nurses play a crucial role in patient care, from reporting lab results and monitoring patient progress to providing nutritional support.
- Nurses are responsible for implementing appropriate aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of infection.
Inflammatory Response
- Inflammation is the body's natural defense mechanism against injury or infection.
- It is triggered by physical, chemical, or microbial agents.
- Signs of inflammation include localized pain, redness (erythema), swelling (edema), warmth, and drainage.
- Systemic inflammation involves fever, increased white blood cell count (above 10,000), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and positive cultures.
Cultures
- Cultures are used to identify specific microorganisms causing infections.
- Common types include wound, blood, stool (SE), and urine cultures.
Healthcare Associated Infections
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), formerly known as nosocomial infections, are common in healthcare settings.
- HAIs are acquired in the hospital and not present upon admission.
- They can significantly increase patient costs, especially if not covered by insurance.
- Common types include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), surgical site infections (SSIs), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAPs).
- HAIs are often spread through direct contact.
- Handwashing and maintaining a clean environment are crucial in preventing HAIs.
- Factors that increase risk include illness, low immunity, age, surgery, wounds, and certain medications.
Infection Control
- Infection control policies and procedures aim to minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases.
- Sterile technique is a key component of infection control.
- Handwashing is the primary step in infection control.
- Infection control practitioners educate staff, clients, and families on preventing infections.
- They track infection rates and identify sources, analyze data, and report contagious illnesses to relevant authorities.
Occupational Health Services
- Occupational health services protect healthcare workers and clients from infections.
- Employers are required to offer hepatitis B vaccines to employees at risk of exposure to blood or food.
- Immunizations and titer tests are often required.
- Needle stick exposures should be reported immediately.
- Injury reports should be completed, and follow-up care should be provided to ensure safety and health.
Standard Precautions
- Standard precautions are based on the principle that all bodily fluids are potentially infectious.
- Healthcare workers wear gloves, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Asepsis and Infection Control
- Asepsis is the absence of disease-producing microorganisms.
- Microorganisms are microscopic entities that can sustain life processes.
- Non-pathogenic microorganisms are harmless.
- Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease.
- Medical asepsis reduces the number and spread of microorganisms.
- Surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms and spores.
- Medical asepsis is known as the "clean technique".
- Surgical asepsis is known as the "sterile technique".
- Examples of medical asepsis techniques include handwashing and changing linens.
- The operating room (OR) and labor and delivery are examples of surgical asepsis areas.
Promoting Medical Asepsis
- Handwashing is the most important medical asepsis technique.
- Hand hygiene should be performed before and after any contact with clients or inanimate objects.
- Alcohol-based cleansers can be used for quick hand decontamination when hands are not visibly soiled.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water to remove C. difficile.
- Linens should be placed in an appropriate bin or bag after unfolding.
- Items should not be placed on the floor.
- Gloves, masks, and eye protection are essential when necessary.
- Clean the least soiled areas first, then the dirtiest areas.
- Dispose of contaminated articles in appropriate biohazard bags.
- Pour liquids directly down the drain of a tub or sink.
- Remove artificial nails, contain hair, and remove jewelry from hands and wrists before disinfecting hands.
Chain of Infection
- The chain of infection is a six-step process required for infection to occur.
- Breaking any link in the chain prevents infection.
- The six elements are:
- Infectious agent: Microorganisms capable of causing disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and mites.
- Reservoir: Natural habitat of microorganisms where they can grow and reproduce.
- Portal of exit: Means of exit from the reservoir.
- Mode of transmission: Vehicle that carries the microorganisms from one place to another.
- Portal of entry: Means of entry into a new host.
- Susceptible host: A person or animal in which microorganisms can grow and reproduce.
- Disinfection uses chemicals to destroy microorganisms.
- Antiseptics inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
- Culture and sensitivity testing identifies the type of microorganism and its susceptibility to different medications.
- Vectors are living carriers of microorganisms.
- Fomites are inanimate objects that can carry microorganisms.
Key Facts
- Cultures are swabs or blood draws from a patient that are used to identify the type of organism.
- Sensitivity testing determines which medications are effective against the identified organism.
- Impaired immune systems heighten the susceptibility to infection.
- Intact skin is the body's first line of defense against infection.
- Immunizations protect against infectious diseases for both nurses and clients.
Stages of Infection
- Incubation period: The period between the entrance of a pathogen and the first symptom.
- Prodromal stage: The period between nonspecific symptoms and specific signs and symptoms.
- Acute stage: The period when the patient experiences specific signs and symptoms.
- Convalescence: The period when the patient recovers from the disease.
Types of Infection
- Localized infection: Infection confined to a specific area of the body.
- Systemic infection: Infection that spreads throughout the entire body.
Nursing Responsibilities Regarding Infection
- Administer medications as ordered to treat infection.
- Monitor for effectiveness of treatment.
- Monitor patient vital signs.
- Obtain lab tests as ordered to identify and monitor infection.
Nursing Care: Subjective Reports and Lab Results
- Nurses should take detailed subjective reports from clients, like how they feel before and after medication.
- Nurses should report any abnormal laboratory results.
- Nurses may also be responsible for drawing blood for lab tests.
Nutrition Support
- Nurses are responsible for ensuring adequate nutrition for clients, especially those fighting infection.
- Nurses may advise clients to increase their protein and calorie intake.
Aseptic Technique and Infection Control
- Proper aseptic technique is crucial to prevent the spread of infection.
- Nurses play a crucial role in preventing infection as they are in constant contact with clients.
Inflammation and the Immune System
- The inflammatory response is the body's natural defense against injury and infection.
- This protective mechanism occurs at a cellular level.
Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation
- Localized pain, redness (erythema), swelling (edema), and increased warmth are indicators of inflammation.
- Fever, drainage, and exudate can also occur.
Systemic Inflammation
- When inflammation becomes systemic, it involves the entire body.
- This can lead to fever, drainage, exudate, and increased white blood cell count.
White Blood Cell Count
- A normal white blood cell count is 5,000-10,000 per microliter of blood.
- A count above 10,000 can indicate infection.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a test tube.
- Increased ESR can indicate inflammation.
Cultures and Microorganisms
- Cultures are performed to identify the type of microorganism causing infection.
- Common types of cultures include wound cultures, blood cultures, stool cultures, and urine cultures.
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
- HAIs are infections acquired in a healthcare setting, formerly known as nosocomial infections.
- Hospitals are a common breeding ground for pathogens.
Common Types of HAIs
- Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
- Surgical site infections (SSIs)
- Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
Transmission of HAIs
- HAIs are often transmitted through direct contact.
Prevention of HAIs
- Handwashing and maintaining a clean environment are crucial for preventing HAIs.
Cost of HAIs
- HAIs can significantly increase medical costs for clients, especially if their insurance doesn't cover them.
Risk Factors for HAIs
- Sick individuals
- Decreased immunity
- Age
- Surgery
- Wounds
- Medications
Most Common HAIs
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Wound and skin infections
Infection Control
- Infection control policies and procedures aim to minimize the risk of spreading diseases, including sterile techniques.
Importance of Handwashing
- Handwashing is a primary step in infection control.
Infection Control Practitioners
- Nurses or other healthcare professionals specifically trained in infection prevention and control.
- Responsibilities:
- Develop infection control policies
- Analyze infection data
- Track client infections and cultures
- Identify infection sources
- Report contagious infections
- Collaborate with health departments
Occupational Health Services
- Services provided to healthcare workers and clients to prevent or control workplace infections
- Provide hepatitis B vaccinations.
- Offer immunization or titer tests.
Needle Stick Exposure
- Should be reported immediately to a supervisor and Occupational Health Services.
- An injury report must be completed.
- Follow-up treatment and evaluation are necessary.
Hepatitis B
- More common than HIV from needle sticks.
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Description
This quiz covers essential concepts of asepsis, focusing on both medical and surgical techniques. Learn about the importance of hand hygiene and methods to reduce the spread of microorganisms. Test your understanding of how to maintain a clean and sterile environment in healthcare settings.
