Infection Control in Suction and Oxygen Therapy

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary concern with contaminated condensate in the inspiratory limb of the ventilator circuit?

Enhanced durability of the circuit

Increased oxygen therapy efficiency

Transmission of microorganisms to other patients (correct)

Risk of equipment malfunction

How often should the exterior surface of a nondisposable bag-mask device be disinfected?

Every two days

At least once a day (correct)

Once a week

Twice a week

When should ventilator circuits be changed according to infection control guidelines?

Every day

Once a week

When soiled or malfunctioning (correct)

Only during maintenance checks

What is the recommended approach when using a bag-mask device that is not disposable?

Sterilize or high-level disinfect between patients Signup and view all the answers

How can the risk of infection during tracheal suctioning be minimized?

Using disposable catheters for each patient Signup and view all the answers

Why should humidifiers not be needed with certain flows according to the text?

To reduce the risk of contamination during transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended fluid to fill bubble humidifiers?

Sterile water Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there is evidence of gross contamination or mechanical dysfunction in a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME)?

Change it according to manufacturer’s recommendation Signup and view all the answers

How should small volume nebulizers be stored between treatments on the same patient?

Disinfect and rinse with sterile water Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important not to share small volume nebulizers between patients without proper sterilization?

To prevent bacterial aerosols Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nebulizer remains among the most common types of respiratory equipment linked to Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?

Jet nebulizers Signup and view all the answers

What should be used for nebulization and dispensed aseptically?

Sterile fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary processing method for semi-critical items according to the Spaulding Approach?

High-level disinfection using chemical disinfectants Signup and view all the answers

Which type of items come into contact with intact skin according to the Spaulding Approach?

Noncritical Items Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in reprocessing medical equipment, as per the text?

Cleaning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of disinfection as described in the text?

To destroy spores and all pathogenic organisms on inanimate objects Signup and view all the answers

Which category of items undergoes processing through sterilization according to the Spaulding Approach?

Critical Items Signup and view all the answers

What is the processing method for noncritical items as per the Spaulding Approach?

Low to intermediate level disinfection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disinfection and Sterilization

The Spaulding Approach categorizes patient care equipment into three categories: Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Items.
Critical Items: enter normally sterile tissue or the vascular system, requiring sterilization as processing, e.g., surgical devices, intravascular catheters, and dialysis components.

Categories of Patient Care Equipment

Semi-Critical Items: come into contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin, requiring high-level disinfection using chemical disinfectants, e.g., most respiratory equipment.
Non-Critical Items: come into contact with intact skin, requiring detergent washing and low to intermediate level disinfection, e.g., face masks, blood pressure cuffs, and ventilators.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Cleaning is the first step in reprocessing equipment, involving removing dirt and organic material, usually by washing, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Disinfection destroys the vegetative form of many or all pathogenic organisms except spores on medical equipment or other inanimate objects.

Suction Systems

Tracheal suctioning increases the risk of infection, but proper hand hygiene and gloving help minimize this risk.
Use a fresh, sterile, single-use catheter on each patient, and only sterile fluid to remove secretions from the catheter.

Oxygen Therapy Devices

Contaminated condensate in ventilator circuits can transmit microorganisms to patients via healthcare workers' hands.
Ventilator circuits should not be changed routinely for infection control purposes, but rather when visibly soiled or malfunctioning.
Nondisposable bag-mask devices should be sterilized or high-level disinfected between patients.

Humidifiers

Sterilize or high-level disinfect reusable breathing circuits and humidifiers.
Periodically drain tubing condensate away from patients and discard.
Wash hands after draining tubing condensate or handling the fluid.

Equipment-Handling Procedures

Bag-Mask Devices: clean, disinfect, and maintain according to manufacturer's instructions.
Nebulizers:
- Clean, disinfect, rinse with sterile water, and air dry between treatments on the same patient.
- Store in a manner that prevents contamination.
- Do not share small volume nebulizers between patients without performing sterilization or high-level disinfection.
- Use only sterile fluids for nebulization and dispense aseptically.

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Description

Learn about proper handling, dispensing, and storage of equipment, along with the importance of following manufacturer's instructions and checking expiration dates. Understand how to minimize the risk of infection during tracheal suctioning and oxygen therapy devices.