Healthcare Safety and Infection Control

Questions and Answers

The most frequently occurring laboratory-acquired infection is caused by:

HAV

HCV

HIV

HBV (correct)

Which class of fire occurs with flammable liquids?

Class C

Class B (correct)

Class D

Class K

HBV in dried blood on work surfaces, equipment, telephones, and other objects can survive up to:

24 hours

2 months

3 days

7 days (correct)

The most common type of HAI infection in the United States is:

Urinary tract infection Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following diseases involves a blood-borne pathogen?

Malaria Signup and view all the answers

When the chain of infection is broken, an:

Infection is prevented from happening Signup and view all the answers

How many classes of fire are identified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)?

Five Signup and view all the answers

The manufacturer must supply a safety data sheet for:

Isopropyl alcohol Signup and view all the answers

An example of employee screening for infection control is requiring employees to have:

PPD (or TB) testing Signup and view all the answers

A phlebotomist may be able to work without restrictions despite having this condition.

A positive PPD test Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a healthcare-associated infection?

A catheter site of an ICU patient becomes infected Signup and view all the answers

What should the phlebotomist do if the outside of a patient specimen tube has blood on it?

Wipe the tube with disinfectant Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to extinguish a flammable liquid fire?

Spray it with a Class B extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

Which body fluid is exempt from standard precautions?

Sweat Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol-based antiseptic hand cleaners can be used in place of hand washing if:

No dirt or organic matter is seen on the hands Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fire occurs with combustible metals?

Class D Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be deleted from a list of symptoms of shock?

Slow, strong pulse rate Signup and view all the answers

The substance abbreviated as HBsAg when detected in a patient's serum confirms:

Active hepatitis B infection Signup and view all the answers

Anything harmful or potentially harmful to health is the definition of a:

Biohazard Signup and view all the answers

These are the initials of the federal agency that instituted and enforces regulations requiring the labeling of hazardous materials.

OSHA Signup and view all the answers

The acronym used to remember the actions to take when using a fire extinguisher is:

PASS Signup and view all the answers

The HazCom Standard is also commonly called the:

Right to Know Law Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best action to take if a coworker's clothing is on fire?

Smother the fire with a fire blanket Signup and view all the answers

The free availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for employee use in the medical laboratory is mandated by the:

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard Signup and view all the answers

The 'Right to Know' law primarily deals with:

Hazard communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions violates a chemistry safety rule?

Adding bleach to a cleaner to make it more effective Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to increase susceptibility to infection?

Use of antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of infection transmission occurs from touching contaminated bed linens?

Indirect contact Signup and view all the answers

Neutropenic isolation is a type of reverse isolation used for patients with:

A low WBC count Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order for removing protective clothing?

Gloves, gown, mask Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing to do if you splash a bleach solution into your eyes?

Flush your eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)?

HIV Signup and view all the answers

When should standard precautions be followed?

With all patients at all times. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are links in the chain of infection?

All of the choices are correct Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an unhealthy way to deal with stress?

Make a major life change Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions violates laboratory safety rules?

All of the choices are correct Signup and view all the answers

What are the initials of the U.S. government agency that mandates and enforces safe working conditions for employees?

OSHA Signup and view all the answers

Most exposures to HIV in healthcare settings are the result of what?

Accidental needlesticks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of infection can be spread from person to person?

Communicable. Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is targeted by HBV?

Liver. Signup and view all the answers

What should a phlebotomist do if stuck by a needle used to draw blood?

Clean the site with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

A radiation hazard symbol on a patient's door signifies what?

Is being treated with radioactive isotopes. Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of transmission involves transfer of infection via cough or sneeze?

Droplet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a proper electrical safety guideline?

Electrical equipment should be unplugged while being serviced Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first action in the event of electrical shock?

Shut off the electricity source. Signup and view all the answers

What protective attire is required when collecting a specimen from a patient in airborne isolation?

N95 respirator. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the most important means of preventing healthcare-associated infections?

Proper hand hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard require?

Wearing gloves when performing phlebotomy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nosocomial infection?

Acquired while in a hospital. Signup and view all the answers

How can severe external hemorrhage be effectively controlled?

Applying firm direct pressure to the wound. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves during phlebotomy procedures?

To protect the phlebotomist from exposure to the patient's blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is unlikely to affect a person's susceptibility to infection?

Gender Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for the organization that investigates and controls disease?

CDC. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to clean up blood spilled on a phlebotomy chair?

Absorb it with a gauze pad and clean the area with disinfectant. Signup and view all the answers

What does the strikethrough-W symbol indicate?

Water reactive. Signup and view all the answers

In which instance could an electrical shock to a patient most likely occur?

Touching some electrical equipment during a blood draw. Signup and view all the answers

What is an avulsion?

Tearing away of a body part. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a pathogen is described as pathogenic?

Capable of causing disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of vector infection transmission?

The plague from the bite of a rodent flea. Signup and view all the answers

If a phlebotomist has strep throat, what should they do?

Off work until 24 hours after antibiotic therapy is started and symptoms are gone. Signup and view all the answers

Which disease involves a blood-borne pathogen?

Hepatitis B Signup and view all the answers

What are the first three components of fire traditionally known as the fire triangle?

Fuel, oxygen, and heat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a susceptible individual?

A person who has little resistance to an infectious microbe. Signup and view all the answers

What concept changed infection control focus to patient-to-personnel transmission?

Universal precautions (UP) Signup and view all the answers

Healthcare workers are considered immune if they have what?

Have contracted the disease and recovered from it. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hepatitis B vaccination schedule include?

A first shot of vaccine, one a month later, and one 6 months after the first. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a work practice control reducing risk of blood-borne pathogens?

Wearing gloves to draw blood Signup and view all the answers

What does isolation procedures do?

Separate patients from contact with others if they have highly transmissible infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is proper neonatal ICU blood-drawing procedure?

Clean hands and put on new gloves for each patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of an infection-control program?

Prevent the spread of infection in the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'reverse' isolation?

Protect patients from outside contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What mode of transmission involves contaminated food, water, drugs, or blood transfusions?

Vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What does the blue quadrant of the NFPA diamond-shaped symbol indicate?

Health hazard Signup and view all the answers

What are the main principles involved in radiation exposure?

Distance, shielding, and time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the infectious agent?

The pathogen responsible for causing an infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of PPE?

Provide the user a barrier against infection. Signup and view all the answers

What does the NFPA codeword RACE mean?

Rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish Signup and view all the answers

Class C fires involve what?

Electrical equipment Signup and view all the answers

What standard requires chemical manufacturers to supply safety data sheets?

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an unsafe laboratory practice?

Keeping your lab coat on at all times Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is something other than a microbe?

Ova Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of proper hand-washing procedure?

Stand back so clothing does not touch the sink Signup and view all the answers

When must transmission-based precautions be followed?

For patients with highly transmissible diseases. Signup and view all the answers

What does current AHA recommendations for CPR by laypersons emphasize?

Compressions only. Signup and view all the answers

Which action would contribute to the chain of infection?

Keeping pathogen exit pathways open Signup and view all the answers

What protective attire is required when working with sprays or splashes?

Mask. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper order for putting on protective clothing?

Gown first, then mask, gloves last Signup and view all the answers

What type of exposure occurs through eye contact?

Permucosal Signup and view all the answers

What type of infection transmission involves eating contaminated food?

Vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What type of precautions would be used for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis?

Airborne Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a disease requiring droplet isolation?

Pertussis Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth component that turns the fire triangle into a fire tetrahedron?

Chemical reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safety Protocols and Emergency Procedures

In the event of a bleach splash to the eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes.
Accidental needlestick injuries require cleaning the site with soap and water for 30 seconds.
For electrical shock incidents, the first action is to shut off the electricity source.

Infectious Diseases and Pathogens

HIV is the virus responsible for AIDS.
Communicable infections can be spread from person to person.
HBV primarily targets the liver, while nosocomial infections occur within healthcare settings.

Infection Control and Prevention

Follow standard precautions with all patients at all times.
The chain of infection includes an exit pathway, reservoir, and susceptible host.
Proper hand hygiene is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Laboratory and Workplace Safety

OSHA mandates safe working conditions; follow posted precautions in isolation rooms.
Many unsafe practices include eating or stashing food in the lab and wearing open-toed shoes.
The blue section of the NFPA symbol indicates a health hazard; proper labeling and cleaning are essential.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

N95 respirators are required in airborne isolation situations.
Gloves should be worn during phlebotomy to protect against exposure to patient blood.
The correct order for putting on protective clothing is gown first, then mask, with gloves last.

Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The fire triangle consists of fuel, oxygen, and heat; chemical reactions are the fourth component in the tetrahedron.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids; use appropriate extinguishing methods.
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish in fire emergencies.

Vectors and Transmission Modes

Droplet transmission occurs through sneezing or coughing, while vehicle transmission involves contaminated food or water.
Vector transmission can involve organisms like fleas or ticks, whereas direct contact involves surface contamination.

Health and Stress Management

Exercise reduces stress by releasing endorphins.
Major life changes are generally unhealthy stress management methods.
Vaccination is crucial for immunity; recovered individuals develop antibodies against specific viruses.

Compliance and Identification

The CDC monitors disease control; OSHA governs workplace safety regulations.
Knowing the definition of a pathogen is essential—pathogenic microbes can cause disease.
Laboratory protocols require goggles when exposure to sprays or splashes is possible.

Miscellaneous

Proper practices for cleaning spills include using disinfectants and ensuring the biohazard symbol is properly utilized.
Withdrawal precautions apply to highly transmissible diseases, emphasizing protective measures.
Fluids like isopropyl alcohol require safety data sheets to handle safely in labs.### Infection and Health Terminology
A positive PPD test indicates exposure to tuberculosis.
Acute conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, often resulting in redness and irritation.
German measles, or rubella, is a contagious viral infection characterized by a rash and fever.
Mononucleosis, commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus, is known for fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

Healthcare-Associated Infections

Healthcare-associated infections include infections contracted during medical care, such as an infected catheter site in an ICU patient.

Specimen Handling

If a patient specimen tube is stained with blood, it should be wiped with disinfectant to prevent contamination.

Fire Safety

Flammable liquid fires should be extinguished using a class B fire extinguisher, specifically designed for such materials.

Body Fluids and Standard Precautions

Sweat is exempt from standard precautions, while joint fluid, saliva, and urine are not.

Hand Hygiene

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can replace hand washing if hands are free from visible dirt or organic matter.

Fire Classes

Class D fires involve combustible metals and require specific fire extinguishing methods.

Symptoms of Shock

A slow, strong pulse rate is not a symptom of shock; typical symptoms include an expressionless face, increased shallow breaths, and pale, cold, clammy skin.

Hepatitis B

The presence of HBsAg in a patient's serum confirms active hepatitis B infection.

Biohazards

Biohazards are substances that pose a risk to health.

Hazardous Material Regulations

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforces regulations for labeling hazardous materials and ensuring safety in the workplace.

Fire Extinguisher Use

The acronym PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is used to remember the steps for using a fire extinguisher.

Hazard Communication

The HazCom Standard is commonly known as the Right to Know Law, focusing on the communication of hazards associated with chemicals.

Emergency Response

If a coworker's clothing catches fire, the best response is to smother the flames with a fire blanket.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard mandates the availability of PPE for employees in medical labs.

Chemical Safety

Adding bleach to a cleaner is unsafe and violates chemistry safety rules.

Infection Susceptibility

The use of antibiotics can increase susceptibility to infections by disrupting normal flora.

Transmission of Infection

Indirect contact occurs when infection transmission happens through contaminated surfaces like bed linens.

Neutropenic Isolation

Neutropenic isolation is designed for patients with a low white blood cell count to protect them from infections.

Removing Protective Clothing

Correct order for removing protective gear is gloves, gown, and then mask to minimize contamination risk.

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Description

Test your knowledge on essential safety protocols and infection control measures in healthcare settings. This quiz covers emergency procedures, infectious diseases, and workplace safety regulations. Understand the importance of proper hygiene and the chain of infection to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff.