ATI Handwashing Module 1

Study Notes

Hand Hygiene and Infection Control

Hand hygiene involves wetting hands with water, applying soap, lathering for 15 seconds, rinsing with fingers pointed down, and drying hands properly.
Alcohol-based hand rub requires applying gel and rubbing hands until dry, with gloves applied afterward.
Nonsterile gloves are essential when handling body fluids, providing oral care, or when in contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
Gloves must fit properly and should not be reused; hand hygiene is still necessary after glove use.

Cough Etiquette and Standard Precautions

Cough etiquette includes covering mouth and nose, using tissues for respiratory secretions, wearing masks when necessary, and maintaining distance from others.
Standard precautions apply to all patients, focusing on blood, body fluids, and safe handling to prevent infection transmission.

Transmission-based Precautions

Types of transmission-based precautions include contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, tailored to specific disease transmission methods.
Contact precautions focus on preventing transmission via contaminated objects or surfaces; droplet precautions are for infectious agents expelled within a 3-6 feet range.
Airborne precautions are for diseases transmitted through smaller droplets, e.g., tuberculosis.

Protective Environment

Designed for patients post-transplant or gene therapy, creating a low-risk space for infections, particularly fungal infections.

Infection Control Challenges

The presence of symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea in patients raises infection control concerns; standard and contact precautions should be implemented.
Specific scenarios, like caring for patients with known infections (e.g., Salmonella), require thorough hygiene practices and the use of dedicated equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE includes disposable gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles; using proper equipment protects against contamination and infection spread.
Hand hygiene must be practiced before and after patient interactions, especially after handling contaminated items like notebooks or pens.

Specific Patient Scenarios

Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including a negative airflow room and N95 respirators to protect healthcare workers from small droplet nuclei.
Maintaining hygiene after patient contact involves handwashing, particularly when dealing with body fluids and infectious waste.

Guidelines for Handwashing

Effective handwashing with soap should last at least 15 seconds; alcohol-based hand sanitizers should dry completely to achieve full antiseptic effect.
Use of petroleum-based products can compromise glove integrity, while alcohol-based gel simplifies hand hygiene in many settings.

HAI and Precautions

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) develop during hospitalization; knowledge of proper precautions minimizes risks.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are quicker than soap and water, although they are less effective on gross contamination.

Importance of Education and Compliance

Staff must communicate the importance of PPE; neglecting to use necessary protective equipment can lead to increased infection risk.
Workers should adhere strictly to protocols for infection prevention, ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare staff alike.

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of hand hygiene with this flashcard quiz from the ATI Handwashing Module 1. Learn the proper techniques for washing hands to ensure effective cleanliness and infection control in healthcare settings.