Hospital-Acquired Infections Prevention Guide

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Questions and Answers

What is the other name for a hospital-acquired infection?

Nosocomial infection

What is the most common nosocomial infection?

Urinary tract infection

Which of the following are examples of pathogenic bacteria?

Anaerobic Gram-positive rods (correct)
Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (correct)
Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriacae (correct)
All of the above
None of the above

Cross-infection occurs when a patient is infected by their own flora.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main portals of entry for microorganisms in the urinary drainage system?

The urethral meatus-catheter junction, the catheter-drainage tubing junction, the drainage tubing-bag junction, and the outlet that drains urine from the bag. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of nosocomial infections?

Endemic and epidemic. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary objectives of nosocomial infection surveillance?

The reduction of nosocomial infections and their associated costs. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key qualities of a nosocomial infection surveillance system?

Simplicity (A), Flexibility (B), Acceptability (C), Consistency (D), Sensitivity (E), Specificity (F) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between prevalence and incidence studies?

Prevalence studies measure the proportion of patients infected at a specific point in time, while incidence studies measure the number of new infections occurring over a period of time. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three levels of disinfection?

High-level disinfection (A), Intermediate disinfection (B), Low-level disinfection (C) Signup and view all the answers

Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the key considerations for selecting materials in a hospital environment?

The level of risk, functional flow patterns, and the type of materials used for building or rebuilding. Signup and view all the answers

Ultra-clean air systems are used in all hospital environments.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key infection control practices for patients with tracheostomies?

Sterile suctioning, cleaning and disinfection of respiratory machines and other devices, and physiotherapy to assist with drainage of secretions. Signup and view all the answers

Central venous catheters are generally preferred over peripheral venous catheters.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of an outbreak investigation?

Implementing treatment protocols (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three general modes of transmission for nosocomial infections?

Airborne, droplet, and direct or indirect contact. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four zones used to classify hospital areas based on the likelihood of contamination?

Zone A: No patient contact, ZoneB: Care of patients who are not infected and not highly susceptible, Zone C: Infected patients (isolation wards), and Zone D: Highly-susceptible patients (protective isolation). Signup and view all the answers

The type of water used in hospitals is the same for all purposes, including drinking and medical procedures.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Handwashing with antiseptic soap is recommended for all patients, regardless of their risk of infection.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key factors contributing to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria?

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, inappropriate and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, insufficient duration of treatment, and ineffective handwashing, barrier precautions, and equipment cleaning. Signup and view all the answers

Antibiotic prophylaxis is always recommended for patients undergoing surgery.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the key functions of the Antimicrobial Use Committee?

Recommending antibiotics for the formulary, reviewing and approving prescribing policies, auditing antibiotic use, overseeing education, and interacting with pharmaceutical representatives. Signup and view all the answers

The microbiology laboratory plays a limited role in antimicrobial resistance control programs.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key recommendations for preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in a hospital setting?

Implement adequate handwashing and environmental control measures, ensure appropriate antibiotic use (choice, dosage, duration), and provide sufficient facilities and resources for infection control. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key considerations for preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens to healthcare workers?

Adherence to standard precautions, including the use of safety devices to limit sharps exposure, appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, and ongoing training for health care workers in safe sharps practices and infection control measures. Signup and view all the answers

The healthcare worker who has been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen is the only one who needs to be tested for the pathogen.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Vaccination against varicella is routinely recommended for all healthcare workers.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

All health care waste, including general waste, should be disposed of in the stream of domestic refuse.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a hospital's infection control committee?

To oversee the infection control programme and ensure an effective programme. Signup and view all the answers

The need for additional precautions for specific modes of transmission is dependent upon the risk posed by the patient.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of modes of transmission for nosocomial infections?

Airborne (A), Droplet (B), Direct or indirect contact (C) Signup and view all the answers

The layout of a hospital has little to no impact on infection control.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some key considerations for designing a hospital's ventilation system?

The location of air inlets and exhaust outlets, the direction of airflow, and the use of high-efficiency filters, particularly in high-risk areas. Signup and view all the answers

The water used for medical procedures must meet the same quality standards as drinking water.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the key principles for ensuring food safety in a hospital setting?

Maintain a clean work area, separate raw and cooked food, use appropriate cooking techniques, maintain scrupulous hygiene, especially handwashing, change work clothes at least once a day, avoid handling food if you have an infectious disease, and maintain appropriate storage facilities. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nosocomial Infections

Hospital-acquired infections; infections a patient gets while in a hospital, not present or incubating at admission.

Infection Control Program

Plan to prevent hospital infections, including surveillance, prevention, and staff training.