Bloodborne Pathogens Lesson 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following are strategies to reduce exposure? (Select all that apply)

Work practice controls (correct)

Universal precautions (correct)

Personal protective equipment (correct)

Engineering controls (correct)

What are engineering controls?

Devices that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogen from the workplace.

What does the term 'sharps' refer to?

Any device or item that may accidentally penetrate the skin during handling.

Where must warning labels be displayed?

Waste containers for contaminated materials Signup and view all the answers

What are work practice controls?

Controls that reduce the likelihood of exposure by altering the manner in which tasks are performed. Signup and view all the answers

General guidelines for hand-washing include washing any exposed skin with _____ soap.

antibacterial Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol-based hand rubs reduce bacterial counts on hands less than water and soap alone.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is decontamination?

The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item. Signup and view all the answers

What is sterilization?

To use a chemical or physical procedure to destroy all microbial life. Signup and view all the answers

General guidelines for decontamination and sterilization state that all reusable sharps must be _____

sterilized Signup and view all the answers

What are the guidelines for handling sharps?

Put sharps in disposal containers and do not recap, remove, bend, or break needles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contaminated laundry protocol?

Remove clothing, place it in a designated bag, and send it to an employer-approved laundry facility. Signup and view all the answers

What is regulated waste?

Items with dried blood Signup and view all the answers

What are some general guidelines for work area restrictions? (Select all that apply)

Do not handle food Signup and view all the answers

What is personal protective equipment?

Barriers that protect from blood and OPIM. Signup and view all the answers

What are glove guidelines?

Check that gloves are intact and remove contaminated gloves carefully. Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency, use a plastic bag, sheet, or towel to _____ potentially contaminated materials.

handle Signup and view all the answers

What are universal precautions?

Safety guidelines stating that all blood and OPIM are handled as if they are contaminated. Signup and view all the answers

What is body substance isolation?

An alternative approach to universal precautions that defines all body fluids as infectious. Signup and view all the answers

What are standard precautions?

Guidelines used by healthcare facilities for handling blood and OPIM applicable to all patients. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do in case of an unexpected exposure?

Flush eyes for 20 minutes, wash exposed areas with soap, treat scabs gently, report exposure, seek medical care. Signup and view all the answers

What must an employer do after an exposure report?

Identify/document source, obtain consent for testing, inform of test results, arrange for testing and medical care. Signup and view all the answers

What is an exposure control plan?

A document required by OSHA to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Required information when reporting an exposure incident includes date/time of exposure and _____

job title/classification Signup and view all the answers

Employees always have access to the Exposure Control Plan.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exposure Reduction Strategies

Four main strategies: engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment, universal precautions.

Engineering Controls

Definition: Devices that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogens from the workplace.
Examples: Needle-less IVs, self-sheathing needles, eye wash stations, hand-washing facilities, sharps containers, biohazard labels.

Sharps

Definition: Any device that may accidentally penetrate the skin.
Most threatening item: Hollow bore needles.
Safety measures: Needle-less systems, shields, retractable needles, sharps disposal containers.
Common examples: Needles, syringes, scissors, scalpels, disposable razors.

Warning Labels

Required display locations:
- Waste containers for contaminated materials.
- Containers for transporting, shipping, or storing blood or OPIM.
- Contaminated equipment and laundry bags for contaminated clothing.
- Refrigerators/freezers for blood or OPIM.
- Entrances of areas containing infectious materials.

Work Practice Controls

Definition: Controls that reduce the risk of exposure by changing how tasks are performed.
Key practices: Hand hygiene, decontamination, safe handling of sharps, waste handling/disposal, laundry protocols, and work area restrictions.

Hand-Washing Guidelines

Wash exposed skin with antibacterial soap, treat scabs/sores gently, and cover all surfaces.
Wash hands immediately after removing gloves and PPE.

Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

Recommended for healthcare settings due to ease of use.
More effective at reducing bacterial counts compared to soap and water alone.

Decontamination

Definition: Use physical or chemical means to eliminate or inactivate bloodborne pathogens on surfaces or items.

Sterilization

Definition: Chemical or physical process to destroy all microbial life.

Decontamination and Sterilization Guidelines

Sterilize all reusable sharps and decontaminate work surfaces.
Disinfect personal items like jewelry and nail brushes.
Use tools like tongs or dustpans for cleanup of broken materials.

Sharps Handling Guidelines

Dispose of sharps in designated containers without recapping or bending needles.
Entire needle system must be discarded properly.

Contaminated Laundry Protocol

Remove contaminated clothing and place it in a designated bag for approved laundry facilities.

Regulated Waste Definition

Includes blood or OPIM in semi-liquid form, items that might release blood if compressed, dried blood items, contaminated sharps, and lab specimens.

Work Area Restrictions

No smoking or eating in work areas handling blood/OPIM.
Avoid handling personal items like cosmetics or food/drinks in such areas.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Definition: Barriers to protect from blood and OPIM.
Examples: Gloves, aprons/jumpsuits, goggles, face masks, caps, booties.

Glove Guidelines

Ensure gloves are intact and not used with petroleum-based lotions.
Carefully remove and properly dispose of contaminated gloves.

Improvising PPE

In emergencies, use plastic bags, sheets, or towels to handle potentially contaminated materials.

Universal Precautions

A principle that treats all blood and OPIM as if they are contaminated.

Body Substance Isolation

An approach setting all body fluids and substances as infectious.

Standard Precautions

Guidelines for handling blood and OPIM applicable to all patients, regardless of infection status.

Emergency Procedures for Exposure

Actions include flushing eyes for 20 minutes, washing exposed skin, reporting the incident, and seeking medical care.

Employer Responsibilities Post-Exposure Report

Identify/document the source, obtain testing consent from the source, inform employees of test results, arrange necessary testing, counseling, and medical care.

Exposure Control Plan

OSHA requires this plan to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Must include training positions, engineering/work practice controls, PPE specifications, universal precautions, and vaccination opportunities.

Reporting Exposure Incidents

Required details: date/time, job title, location, activity performed, related training, engineering controls, preventative practices, and PPE used.

Access to Exposure Control Plan

Employees have continuous access to the Exposure Control Plan.

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Description

Test your knowledge of bloodborne and airborne pathogens with these flashcards from Lesson 3. This quiz covers crucial strategies to reduce exposure and examples of engineering controls. Perfect for students and professionals in health-related fields.