Hand Hygiene and Infection Control Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of hand washing?

To prevent the spread of communicable diseases (correct)

To eliminate all bacteria and viruses instantly

To enhance skin texture

To moisturize the hands

Which group of individuals is considered a susceptible host?

Elderly individuals (correct)

Healthy adults

Fully immunized children

Sports athletes

What type of microorganisms are usually found deeper in the skin and are difficult to remove?

Resident flora (correct)

Invasive flora

Pathogenic bacteria

Transient flora

How can transient flora typically be removed from the hands?

By washing with soap and water Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT a part of the chain of infection?

Communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of antiseptic hand hygiene?

To kill pathogenic microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for hand washing?

After signing a document Signup and view all the answers

What type of hand hygiene is performed using plain liquid soap and water?

Basic hand wash Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of hand washing in a healthcare setting?

To maintain a safe, clean environment for the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which disease is spread through fecal-oral transmission that can be prevented by hand washing?

E.coli Signup and view all the answers

When should hand washing always be performed?

Before preparing and administering medications Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using alcohol hand rub?

It is not effective against all germs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the hand washing procedure is incorrect?

You should turn off the water with your bare hands Signup and view all the answers

What type of diseases can hand washing help prevent?

Diseases spread through body fluids, indirect transmissions, and fecal-oral transmission Signup and view all the answers

During which instance is it acceptable to wash your hands sometimes?

During patient care Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ingredient found in alcohol hand rubs to effectively destroy organisms?

70% alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Hand washing is crucial for infection control and preventing the spread of diseases.
Hand hygiene is a simple yet effective measure for preventing nosocomial infections (hospital-acquired infections).

Chain of Infection

Susceptible Host: Individuals at higher risk include babies, children, elderly, people with weakened immunity, unimmunized people.
Portal of Entry: Germs enter through the mouth, open wounds, and eyes.
Agent: Germs include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Reservoir: Germs reside in people, animals, food, soil, and water.
Mode of Transmission: Germs spread through contact (hands, objects) and droplets (sneezing, coughing).
Portal of Exit: Germs exit through the mouth, wounds, and during toileting.

Types of Hand Hygiene

Basic Hand Wash: Uses plain liquid soap and water.
Antiseptic Hand Hygiene: Uses antiseptic soap or plain soap followed by alcohol hand rub.
Surgical Scrub: A lengthy procedure for surgical or aseptic procedures.

Microorganisms Found on the Hands

Resident Flora: Harmless, found deep in the skin, difficult to remove with just water, require an antimicrobial agent to kill.
Transient Flora: Pathogenic, found on the surface of the skin, easily removed with soap and water.

Definition of Hand Washing

Cleaning hands and wrists with soap and warm water, rubbing all surfaces, including under fingernails.

Purposes of Handwashing

Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients.
Prevent cross-contamination of patients or the spread of infection, particularly nosocomial infections.
Prevent transmission of infection to healthcare workers.
Prevent transmission of infection to oneself.

Diseases Prevented by Hand Washing

Fecal-Oral Transmission: Shigellosis, Enterovirus, HA, E.coli.
Indirect Transmission: Influenza, Streptococcal Disease, Common Cold.
Body Fluids: Urine, stool, blood, saliva, sweat (Staphylococcal organisms).

Handwashing Indications

Always Before: Touching patients, handling food, administering medications.
Sometimes During: When hands are visibly soiled.
Always After: Using the restroom, touching body fluids, contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

Essential Instances for Handwashing

At the beginning of every shift.
After touching excretions or secretions.
Before and after patient care.
Before and after invasive procedures.
Before preparing and administering medications.
Before serving food.
After using the restroom.
When there is any doubt about hand cleanliness.

Alcohol Hand Rub

Contains 70% alcohol.
Kills transient and reduces resident organisms.
Does not remove dirt.
Not suitable for dirty procedures or visibly soiled hands.

Procedure of Hand Washing

Wet hands with warm running water.
Apply soap and rub hands together to create a lather.
Scrub all surfaces for at least 15-20 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Dry hands with a clean towel.
Turn off the water with a paper towel.

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Description

Test your knowledge on hand hygiene practices and the chain of infection. This quiz covers essential topics such as types of hand hygiene, modes of transmission, and the importance of infection control in preventing diseases. Ideal for healthcare professionals and students alike!