Infection Control: Hand Hygiene and Waste Management

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Questions and Answers

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

To reduce potential pathogens on hands (correct)

To improve staff appearance

To promote patient comfort

To decrease workload

Which of the following is NOT an element of effective hand hygiene?

Washing hands for an adequate amount of time

Use of alcohol hand rub

Use of soap and water

Using gloves without washing hands (correct)

What is the best method for dealing with spillages in clinical environments?

Following the established protocols for spillage management (correct)

Using a paper towel to soak up the spill

Cleaning the area occasionally based on appearance

Ignoring minor spills as they pose no risk

Which of the following describes a barrier to effective hand hygiene?

Patient requests for personal attention Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the waste bins used in clinical settings?

They should be hands-free, hard-bodied and have a lid Signup and view all the answers

Which infection is notably not affected by alcohol-based hand rubs?

C. diff spores Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Bare Below the Elbows' (BBE) refer to?

A policy to prevent infections by limiting clothing Signup and view all the answers

How full should waste bags be to ensure proper disposal?

No more than ¾ full to facilitate handling Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential consequences of needlestick injuries?

Increased risk of blood-borne infections Signup and view all the answers

Which color sharps lid is used for sharps contaminated with cytotoxic or cytostatic products?

Purple Signup and view all the answers

What should you NOT do if you sustain a sharps injury?

Suck on the wound to draw out blood Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of needlestick injuries are accounted for by nurses?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum height you should fill a sharps box?

At the fill line Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation is NOT mentioned as applicable to health and safety in the management of sharps?

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 Signup and view all the answers

If you experience a sharps injury, who should you inform?

Your line manager Signup and view all the answers

How much did needlestick injuries cost the NHS between 2012 and 2022?

£10.8 million Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most effective infection control measure
Hands are the main pathways of transmission in healthcare
Hand hygiene measures can prevent up to 50% of healthcare-acquired infections
Hand hygiene includes using alcohol hand rub and soap and water
Gloves do not replace hand hygiene
Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against C. difficile spores and Norovirus
Always use soap and water for C. diff and Norovirus
The ‘5 moments for hand hygiene' is a framework to ensure proper hand hygiene
The ‘Bare Below the Elbows’ (BBE) dress code helps prevent infections
Barriers to effective hand hygiene include time pressure, forgetfulness, lack of understanding, and poorly located sinks

Waste Management

Waste should be disposed of as close to the point of use as possible
Waste bins should be hands-free, hard-bodied, and have lids
Waste bins should not be filled more than ¾ full
All waste bags should be sealed appropriately
Waste should be tagged in accordance with local waste policy
Waste bags should be color-coded based on their contents:
- Offensive Waste
- Infectious Waste
- Anatomical Waste
- Non-Clinical Waste

Sharps Safety

Most needlestick injuries can be prevented with good practice
Nurses experience the highest rate of needlestick injuries (over 50% of incidents)
Needlestick injuries cost the NHS over £10.8 million between 2012 and 2022
Needlestick injuries increase the risk of blood-borne infections (Hepatitis B, C, and HIV)
Sharps boxes should never be filled above the fill line
Sharps boxes must be signed and dated
Sharps boxes should have different colored lids:
- Yellow: sharps with medicinal contamination (non-cytotoxic)
- Orange: sharps without medicinal contamination
- Purple: sharps contaminated with cytotoxic or cytostatic products

Managing Sharps Injuries

If you sustain a sharps injury:
- Encourage the wound to bleed
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing
- Seek medical advice
- Inform your line manager
- Report the incident via DATIX
- Make a note of the patient details, if needed

Managing Blood and Body Fluid Spillages

Spillages should be managed in accordance with local policies
Spillages should be cleaned immediately to minimize the risk of infection
Always wear appropriate PPE (gloves, apron) when cleaning spills
Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.

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Description

This quiz covers essential practices for infection control, focusing on hand hygiene and waste management in healthcare settings. Learn about effective hand hygiene measures, the importance of proper waste disposal, and barriers that can hinder these practices. Test your knowledge to improve safety and compliance in healthcare.