Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the term for infections acquired in health care settings during the delivery of medical care?

Localized infection

Infection prevention

Healthcare-associated infection (correct)

Microorganism

What occurs when pathogens invade the body and multiply?

Infection

What are methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease called?

Infection prevention

What is an infection that is limited to a specific location in the body?

Localized infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a living thing that is only visible under a microscope?

Microorganism/microbe Signup and view all the answers

What do we call a harmful microorganism?

Pathogen Signup and view all the answers

What is an infection that is in the bloodstream and has spread throughout the body called?

Systemic infection Signup and view all the answers

Which link from the chain of infection is broken by wearing gloves?

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 getting this disease?

Susceptible host Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of disease transmission within healthcare settings?

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

Following Standard Precautions means treating all blood, 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 can usually tell if someone is infectious just by looking at him.

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 container.

False Signup and view all the answers

Giving mouth care is one task that requires a nursing assistant to wear gloves.

True Signup and view all the answers

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

True Signup and view all the answers

Waste that contains blood can be disposed of in the regular trash can.

False Signup and view all the answers

Standard precautions should be practiced on every single person under a nursing assistant's care.

true Signup and view all the answers

What do Standard Precautions include?

Wearing gloves if there is a possibility of coming into contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is true of Transmission-Based Precautions?

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

How should sharps, such as needles, be discarded?

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

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protects workers from what?

Hazards on the job. Signup and view all the answers

A nursing assistant (NA) will come into contact with microorganisms when?

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines hand hygiene as what?

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

Alcohol-based hand rubs are used when?

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

What tasks require a nursing assistant to wear gloves?

Contact with body fluids, when the NA may touch blood, assisting with perineal care, 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, what is proper protection for the eyes?

Goggles. Signup and view all the answers

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

<ol> <li>Gown, 2. Mask, 3. Goggles, 4. Gloves.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

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

<ol> <li>Gloves, 2. Goggles, 3. Mask, 4. Gown.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

In healthcare, what are objects that have not been contaminated with pathogens called?

Clean. Signup and view all the answers

In healthcare, what are objects that have been contaminated with pathogens called?

Dirty. Signup and view all the answers

What is a process that kills pathogens, but does not destroy all pathogens?

Disinfection. Signup and view all the answers

What is something that is only to be used once and then discarded?

Disposable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a measure that destroys all microorganisms, including pathogens?

Sterilization. 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

Dirty linen should be carried how?

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

Which type of precaution helps prevent transmission through skin-to-skin contact during transfers or bathing?

Contact Signup and view all the answers

What precaution is used to guard against tuberculosis and chickenpox?

Airborne Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution covers the nose and mouth with a tissue when a person sneezes or coughs?

Droplet Signup and view all the answers

Which precaution helps prevent the spread of illnesses transmitted through the air?

Airborne Signup and view all the answers

What do dedicated equipment refer to?

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

Which of the following is true if wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for residents in isolation?

Nursing assistant should remove PPE after exiting a resident's room. Signup and view all the answers

A person with tuberculosis disease can infect others.

True Signup and view all the answers

Bloodborne diseases can be transmitted by infected blood entering the bloodstream.

True Signup and view all the answers

Hepatitis B vaccination is essential to protect nursing assistants from what?

Hepatitis B. Signup and view all the answers

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

True Signup and view all the answers

Once vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is established, it is relatively easy to get rid of it.

False Signup and view all the answers

MRSA can be spread through indirect contact by touching objects contaminated by a person with MRSA.

True Signup and view all the answers

Frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of VRE.

True Signup and view all the answers

Both hand sanitizers and washing hands with soap and water are considered equally effective when dealing with C. difficile.

False 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

A person with latent TB infection can infect others.

False Signup and view all the answers

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standards is a federal requirement which states that healthcare employers must have what?

A written exposure control plan designed to eliminate or reduce employee exposure to infectious material. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Healthcare-Associated Infections

Defined as infections acquired in healthcare settings during medical care delivery.
Key concern for patient safety and infection control.

Infection and Pathogens

Infection occurs when pathogens invade and multiply in the body.
Microorganisms or microbes are living entities only visible under a microscope.
Pathogens are harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases.

Infection Prevention Measures

Infection prevention includes methods implemented in healthcare facilities to control disease spread.
Standard Precautions involve treating all blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious.

Infection Types

Localized infection is confined to a specific body area, while systemic infection spreads throughout the body and into the bloodstream.

Chain of Infection

Mode of transmission refers to how diseases spread, which can be interrupted by wearing gloves.
A susceptible host is a person likely to contract a disease, and vaccination can reduce susceptibility.

Transmission Routes

The hands of healthcare workers are the primary route for disease transmission.
Microorganisms thrive in warm, moist environments.

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Standard Precautions require gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is likely.
Transmission-Based Precautions are additional measures based on the transmission method (Contact, Airborne, Droplet).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE includes gloves, masks, and goggles, critical for protecting both healthcare workers and patients.
The order for donning PPE is gown, mask, goggles, then gloves; the order for doffing is gloves, goggles, mask, and then gown.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene includes washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs for cleanliness.
Hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds and before glove application.

Handling of Medical Waste and Equipment

Dirty linens should be rolled with the dirty area inside and carried away from uniform.
Disposable equipment is used once and discarded, while clean items have not been contaminated.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne diseases can be transmitted through infected blood entering the bloodstream.
Employers must provide vaccines, such as for hepatitis B, to protect nursing staff.

Tuberculosis (TB)

TB can be transmitted through airborne droplets when a person coughs.
Individuals with latent TB cannot infect others, but those with active TB can.

Resistant Bacteria

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is mostly spread by direct contact but can also be transferred indirectly.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is challenging to eliminate once established.

Compliance with Safety Standards

Employees must immediately report any potential exposure to infections or body fluids.
Employers are responsible for providing PPE and training for safe usage.

Infection Control Education

Ongoing education in infection prevention is essential for healthcare workers to maintain safety standards.

Summary

Effective infection prevention and control strategies are paramount in healthcare settings to minimize the risk of diseases for both patients and staff.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Study essential terms and concepts related to infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. This quiz covers definitions and explanations crucial for understanding healthcare-associated infections and their management. Perfect for anyone studying healthcare practices and patient safety.