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?

    <p>Patient requests for personal attention</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>C. diff spores</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A policy to prevent infections by limiting clothing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How full should waste bags be to ensure proper disposal?

    <p>No more than ¾ full to facilitate handling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the potential consequences of needlestick injuries?

    <p>Increased risk of blood-borne infections</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Purple</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Suck on the wound to draw out blood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of needlestick injuries are accounted for by nurses?

    <p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>At the fill line</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Your line manager</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>£10.8 million</p> 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.

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