Infection Prevention for Nursing Assistants

Questions and Answers

What is infection prevention?

A set of methods used to prevent the spread of disease.

What link in the chain of infection is broken when an NA wears gloves?

Mode of transmission

Which link in the chain of infection is affected when an NA gets vaccinated for hepatitis B?

Susceptible host

When does a nursing assistant come into contact with microorganisms?

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

What is the single most important thing an NA can do to prevent the spread of disease?

Wash her hands. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the elderly at a higher risk of infection?

They have limited mobility. Signup and view all the answers

With whom should an NA use Standard Precautions?

With every resident in his care. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term body fluids include under Standard Precautions?

Urine. Signup and view all the answers

What is hand hygiene?

Washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. Signup and view all the answers

How long should a nursing assistant use friction while washing hands?

At least 20 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of wearing gloves?

Gloves should be changed before contact with mucous membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper order to don PPE?

Put on gown, mask and goggles, and gloves. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true of disinfection?

Disinfection kills some pathogens but not all of them. Signup and view all the answers

If an NA needs to clean up a spill, what is the first step she should take?

Put on gloves. 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

What is one way that blood-borne pathogens can be transmitted?

By contact with blood or body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true of hepatitis B (HBV)?

The vaccine for HBV helps prevent the disease. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard require?

Employers have an exposure control plan. Signup and view all the answers

How may tuberculosis be transmitted?

By coughing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of disease is tuberculosis?

An airborne disease. Signup and view all the answers

Can a person with TB disease spread it to others?

Yes. Signup and view all the answers

How is MRSA most often spread?

By direct physical contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to control the spread of MRSA?

Through proper hand washing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to control the spread of C. difficile?

Through proper hand washing and handling of contaminated wastes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an NA responsibility related to infection prevention?

Following Standard Precautions in caring for all residents. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection Prevention Overview

Infection prevention involves a collection of methods to inhibit disease transmission.
Key links in the infection chain include susceptible hosts and modes of transmission.

Essential Practices for Nursing Assistants (NA)

Wearing gloves breaks the mode of transmission, thus reducing disease spread.
Vaccination against hepatitis B helps protect NAs by targeting the susceptible host link.
NAs come into contact with microorganisms continually through touching various surfaces.
Proper hand hygiene, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds, is the most critical action for disease prevention.

Vulnerabilities and Precautions

The elderly are especially susceptible to infections due to limited mobility.
NAs should employ Standard Precautions universally for all residents.
Body fluids, including urine, are part of Standard Precautions and must be handled carefully.

Hand Hygiene Techniques

Hand hygiene encompasses using either plain or antiseptic soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage

The correct order for donning PPE is to first wear a gown, followed by a mask and goggles, ending with gloves.
After providing care, gloves should be safely discarded, especially if they are torn.

Disinfection Facts

Disinfection reduces pathogens but does not eliminate all, unlike sterilization.
Cleaning spills should always begin with the NA wearing gloves.

Transmission-Based Precautions

These precautions are supplementary to Standard Precautions; they do not replace them.
Direct contact with blood or body fluids is a primary transmission route for blood-borne pathogens.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Bloodborne Pathogen Standards

The HBV vaccine is crucial for healthcare workers to prevent the disease.
The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard mandates employers to maintain an exposure control plan.

Tuberculosis (TB) Information

TB is an airborne disease and can be contracted through coughing.
Individuals with active TB can transmit the disease to others.

MRSA and C. difficile Management

MRSA spreads primarily through direct physical contact; effective hand washing is essential to control its spread.
C. difficile prevention requires thorough hand washing and careful management of contaminated waste.

Responsibilities of Nursing Assistants

NAs should adhere to Standard Precautions for all residents, ensuring a consistent approach to infection prevention.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz covers essential infection prevention techniques specifically designed for nursing assistants. It includes key practices such as hand hygiene, the use of gloves, and the importance of vaccinations. Understanding how to break the infection chain is critical for protecting both staff and residents.