Infection Prevention and Control Chapter 5

Questions and Answers

What is a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

An infection acquired within a healthcare setting during the delivery of medical care.

What occurs during an infection?

Pathogens invade and multiply within the body.

What is infection prevention?

Set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease.

Define localized infection.

An infection that is limited to a specific location in the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is a microorganism/microbe?

A small living thing that is only visible under a microscope. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pathogen?

A harmful microorganism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a systemic infection?

An infection that travels through the bloodstream and is spread throughout the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which link in the chain of infection is broken by wearing gloves, thus preventing the spread of disease?

Mode of transmission. Signup and view all the answers

By getting a vaccination shot for hepatitis B, which link will a person affect to prevent him from getting this disease?

Susceptible host. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the primary route of disease transmission within the healthcare setting?

The hands of healthcare workers Signup and view all the answers

In what type of environment do microorganisms grow best?

In a warm, moist place. Signup and view all the answers

The elderly are at a higher risk for infection than younger people.

True Signup and view all the answers

It is normal for a person's immune system to grow weaker as they age.

True Signup and view all the answers

Blood circulation increases as a person ages.

False Signup and view all the answers

Limited mobility increases the risk of pressure injuries among the elderly.

True Signup and view all the answers

Nutrition is not normally a factor in preventing infections.

False Signup and view all the answers

The elderly are less likely than younger people to have healthcare-associated infections.

False Signup and view all the answers

Infections are less dangerous in the elderly than in younger people.

False Signup and view all the answers

Nursing assistants play an important role in protecting elderly residents from infections.

True Signup and view all the answers

Following Standard Precautions means treating blood and other body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as if they were infected.

True Signup and view all the answers

Under Standard Precautions, body fluids do not include saliva.

False Signup and view all the answers

A nursing assistant should wash her hands before donning (putting on) gloves.

True Signup and view all the answers

A nursing assistant should carefully recap used syringes before putting them in a biohazard container.

False Signup and view all the answers

Giving mouth care is one task that requires an NA to wear gloves.

True Signup and view all the answers

A mask and goggles may need to be worn when emptying a bedpan.

True Signup and view all the answers

Biomedical/biohazardous waste that is not sharp should be discarded in a regular trash bag.

False Signup and view all the answers

Standard Precautions should be practiced on which individuals?

Every single person under a nursing assistant's care. Signup and view all the answers

What measures include Standard Precautions?

Wearing gloves if there is a possibility of contact with blood or body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of Transmission-Based Precautions?

They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions. Signup and view all the answers

How should sharps be discarded?

Sharps should be placed in puncture-resistant biohazard containers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) do?

Protects workers from hazards on the job. Signup and view all the answers

When will a nursing assistant come into contact with microorganisms?

Every time the NA touches something. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define hand hygiene?

Hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. Signup and view all the answers

When are alcohol-based hand rubs used?

In addition to washing with soap and water. Signup and view all the answers

Why should a nursing assistant not wear artificial nails to work?

They harbor bacteria and increase the risk of contamination. Signup and view all the answers

How long should a nursing assistant use friction when lathering and washing her hands?

20 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

List tasks that require a nursing assistant to wear gloves.

Contact with body fluids; touching blood; assisting with perineal care; giving a massage to a resident with acne; assisting with mouth care; shaving a resident. Signup and view all the answers

What type of personal protective equipment may be needed when caring for a resident with a respiratory illness?

Mask and goggles. Signup and view all the answers

What type of personal protective equipment is used most often by caregivers?

Gloves. Signup and view all the answers

How many times can a gown be worn before it needs to be discarded?

One time. Signup and view all the answers

If blood or body fluids may be splashed or sprayed into the eye area, ______ provide proper protection for the eyes.

Goggles. Signup and view all the answers

What did Zoe do incorrectly when putting on her gown?

Did not open the gown and allow it to open/unfold, and tied the neck ties in a secure knot. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Zoe's error in tying her mask.

Ties bottom strings before the top strings. Signup and view all the answers

What mistakes did Zoe make when putting on her gloves?

Started off with dominant hand and wore discolored gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order for donning (putting on) PPE?

1st Gown, 2nd Mask, 3rd Goggles, 4th Gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order for doffing (removing) PPE?

1st Gloves, 2nd Goggles, 3rd Gown, 4th Mask. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of personal protective equipment must be removed after exiting the resident's room?

Respirator. Signup and view all the answers

What is sterilization?

A cleaning measure that destroys all microorganisms, including those that form spores. Signup and view all the answers

What is disinfection?

A process that destroys most, but not all, pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What does disposable mean?

Only to be used once and then discarded. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'clean' mean in health care?

Objects that have not been contaminated with pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'dirty' mean in health care?

Objects that have been contaminated with pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

How many times can disposable equipment be used before it needs to be discarded?

One time. Signup and view all the answers

How should dirty linen be rolled or folded?

Dirty area is inside. Signup and view all the answers

How should dirty linen be handled?

Carried away from the NA's uniform. Signup and view all the answers

A nursing assistant does not need to wear gloves to clean up a very small spill.

False Signup and view all the answers

Disinfectant should be placed directly on the spilled fluid before absorbing and removing the fluid.

False Signup and view all the answers

A nursing assistant should use her hands to pick up large pieces of broken glass and use a broom and dustpan for smaller pieces.

False Signup and view all the answers

Waste containing blood or body fluids should be disposed of in the resident's trash can and the housekeeping department should be notified.

False Signup and view all the answers

An absorbing powder may be used to absorb the spill before removing it.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are Contact Precautions used for?

Used when transmission can occur by touching a contaminated area on the resident's body. Signup and view all the answers

What are Airborne Precautions used for?

Used to guard against tuberculosis. Signup and view all the answers

What are Droplet Precautions?

Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and washing hands immediately afterward. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions help prevent the spread of Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) and conjunctivitis?

Contact Precautions. Signup and view all the answers

How do Droplet Precautions help?

Prevent illness spread through droplets in the air that typically travel less than 6 feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Droplet Precautions?

They help prevent the spread of illnesses transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and talking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Airborne Precautions?

Help prevent the spread of illnesses transmitted through the air. Signup and view all the answers

Which precautions help protect against influenza?

Droplet Precautions. Signup and view all the answers

What may require the use of a special mask, such as an N95 or HEPA mask?

Airborne Precautions. Signup and view all the answers

When are Transmission-Based Precautions used?

In addition to Standard Precautions. Signup and view all the answers

What is dedicated equipment?

Equipment that is used by only one resident. Signup and view all the answers

Nursing assistants should remove PPE before exiting a resident's room.

True Signup and view all the answers

How can bloodborne diseases be transmitted?

Infected blood entering the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

According to OSHA, what is the most common way to be infected by a bloodborne disease?

Contact with infected blood or certain body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

How does the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect the body?

It weakens the immune system so that the body cannot fight the infection. Signup and view all the answers

What is true of hepatitis B (HBV)?

False Signup and view all the answers

Employers must offer a free vaccine to protect NAs from?

Hepatitis B. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require?

Healthcare employers must have a written exposure control plan designed to eliminate or reduce employee exposure to infectious material. Signup and view all the answers

Which exposure does OSHA consider significant?

NA is stuck by a needle. Signup and view all the answers

According to OSHA, what must employers provide?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for use when needed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an employee to report any potential exposures immediately?

To protect the employee's health and the health of others. Signup and view all the answers

How is tuberculosis transmitted?

By coughing. Signup and view all the answers

What is tuberculosis classified as?

An airborne disease. Signup and view all the answers

What does someone with latent TB infection do?

Cannot infect others. Signup and view all the answers

What does a person with TB disease do?

Can infect others. Signup and view all the answers

What condition increases the likelihood of developing TB disease?

Weakened immune systems. Signup and view all the answers

What does resistant mean in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?

Medications can no longer kill the specific bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation of the virus that causes COVID-19?

SARS-CoV-2. Signup and view all the answers

COVID-19 is classified as a(n) _ and _ disease.

droplet, airborne. Signup and view all the answers

People who experience severe symptoms of COVID-19 may need to be treated with a(n)?

ventilator. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes significantly to the spread of COVID-19?

Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios is it most likely that COVID-19 could be transmitted?

Standing near an infected person who sneezes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions puts a person at a higher risk of serious complications and death from COVID-19?

Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

In general, how long can a person be infected with COVID-19 before showing symptoms?

2 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of PPE will always be used when caring for a resident with COVID-19?

Mask or respirator. Signup and view all the answers

Not touching _______ can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

one's nose or mouth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following guidelines is true of wearing masks during a COVID-19 outbreak?

False Signup and view all the answers

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is almost always spread by direct physical contact.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

HAIs are infections acquired in healthcare settings during medical care delivery.
Pathogens invade the body, leading to infections.

Infection Control Measures

Infection prevention involves methods to control disease spread in healthcare facilities.
Localized infections affect specific body locations, while systemic infections spread through the bloodstream.

Chain of Infection

Breaking the mode of transmission (e.g., wearing gloves) helps prevent disease spread.
Vaccinations can protect susceptible hosts from infections like hepatitis B.

Hand Hygiene

Healthcare workers' hands are primary routes for disease transmission.
Microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments.
Hand hygiene includes washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs for at least 20 seconds.

Vulnerable Populations

Elderly individuals are at higher risk for infections and have weakened immune systems.
Limited mobility increases the risk of pressure injuries among the elderly.

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Standard Precautions treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and masks, is essential for certain tasks.
Sharps must be disposed of in puncture-resistant biohazard containers.
Transmission-Based Precautions are additional measures to prevent disease spread.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocol

Correct order for donning PPE: gown, mask, goggles, gloves.
Correct order for doffing PPE: gloves, goggles, gown, mask.
Gowns and masks must be used according to the specific nature of the infection risk.

Waste Management and Cleaning

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, while disinfection eliminates most pathogens.
Dirty linen should be folded so that the dirty side is inside and carried away from a caregiver's uniform.
PPE should be used for cleaning spills to minimize contamination risk.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne diseases can transmit through infected blood entering the bloodstream.
HIV weakens the immune system, while hepatitis B (HBV) can spread through contaminated needles.
OSHA mandates employers provide PPE to protect against workplace hazards.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB is an airborne disease that can spread through coughing.
Latent TB infections do not transmit to others, while active TB can.
Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing TB disease.

COVID-19 Considerations

COVID-19 is classified as both droplet and airborne; severe cases may require ventilator support.
Transmission risk is higher in poorly ventilated enclosed spaces and close proximity to infected individuals.
Masks are crucial in preventing COVID-19 spread, especially in healthcare settings.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

MRSA is predominantly spread through direct contact; vigilance is necessary to prevent transmission.

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Description

Test your knowledge on infection prevention and control concepts from Chapter 5. This quiz covers healthcare-associated infections, general infection definitions, and prevention methods in healthcare settings. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals looking to refresh their understanding of essential practices.