Chapter 17 Medical Asepsis Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What information is included on a regulated medical waste tracking form?

Type and quantity of waste (in pounds) and where it is being sent.

What is the most likely means of contracting hepatitis B in the health care setting?

Through contact with blood and blood components, such as serum or plasma.

What side effects may occur after the administration of a hepatitis B vaccine?

Mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site; serious reactions are extremely rare.

What postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended for an unvaccinated individual who has been exposed to hepatitis B?

Administration of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and administration of the hepatitis B vaccine. Signup and view all the answers

What may eventually occur in a patient with chronic hepatitis C?

Serious liver disease including cirrhosis of the liver and cancer of the liver. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV refers to the virus and infection, while AIDS refers to the last stage of the HIV infection. Signup and view all the answers

How is HIV transmitted and how is it not transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, sharing drug injection needles, or transfer from mother to infant. It is not transmitted through casual contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is an opportunistic infection?

An infection that results from a defective immune system that cannot defend itself from pathogens normally found in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of AIDS?

The presence of severe and life-threatening opportunistic infections and unusual cancers. Signup and view all the answers

List four examples of types of microorganisms.

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, animal parasites. Signup and view all the answers

Define medical asepsis.

Practices that inhibit the growth and hinder the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to prevent the spread of infection. Signup and view all the answers

What type of microorganisms may remain on an object that is considered medically aseptic?

Nonpathogenic microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

List the six growth requirements needed by microorganisms to survive.

Proper nutrition, oxygen, optimum growth temperature, darkness, moisture, neutral pH. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to an organism that uses organic or living substances for food?

Heterotroph. Signup and view all the answers

Why do most microorganisms prefer a neutral pH?

If the environment becomes too acidic or basic, it dies. Signup and view all the answers

List three examples of how a microorganism can be transmitted from one person to another.

Direct contact with an infected person, droplet infection from the lungs, contaminated hands and equipment. Signup and view all the answers

List five examples of how microorganisms can enter the body.

Through the mouth, nose, throat, ears, eyes, intestinal tract, reproductive tract, open wounds. Signup and view all the answers

List four examples of factors that make a host more susceptible to the entrance of a pathogen.

Poor health, poor hygiene, poor nutrition, stress. Signup and view all the answers

List five protective devices of the body that prevent the entrance of microorganisms.

Skin, mucous membranes, mucus and cilia in the respiratory tract, tears, hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between resident flora and transient flora?

Resident flora are generally harmless organisms in deeper skin layers, while transient flora are often pathogenic and easily removable. Signup and view all the answers

List three examples of when handwashing should be performed in the medical office.

When hands are visibly soiled, before eating, after using the restroom. Signup and view all the answers

How does antiseptic handwashing sanitize the hands?

Through mechanical scrubbing action and the action of the antiseptic used. Signup and view all the answers

List five examples of when an alcohol-based hand rub may be used.

Before and after patient contact, before and after removing gloves, after contact with body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol-based hand rubs?

Advantages: Accessible, do not require rinsing, less damaging to skin. Disadvantages: More expensive, can cause stinging on broken skin. Signup and view all the answers

List six medical aseptic practices that the medical assistant should follow.

Following OSHA standards, keeping the office clean, ensuring ventilation, minimizing insect presence, careful waste disposal, teaching patients aseptic practices. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of latex gloves?

Soft, elastic, thin for better dexterity, low cost, proven barrier protection. Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms of a mild and severe latex glove allergy?

Mild: Redness, urticaria, itching. Severe: Itchy red eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What guidelines should be followed when working with gloves?

Keep nails short, wear correct size gloves, avoid oil-based lotions, do not store gloves in extreme temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What can be done to prevent the development of latex allergies in the workplace?

Use nonlatex gloves, choose powder-free latex gloves, wash hands after removing gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym OSHA stand for and what is the purpose of OSHA?

OSHA stands for 'Occupational Safety and Health Administration.' Its purpose is to assist employers in providing a safe working environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the OSHA Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to infectious diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Who must follow the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard? List examples.

Any employee with occupational exposure such as medical assistants, nurses, and emergency medical technicians. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act?

To reduce needlestick and other sharps injuries among healthcare workers. Signup and view all the answers

What are sharps? List examples of sharps.

Sharps are objects that can penetrate the skin. Examples include needles, scalpels, broken glass. Signup and view all the answers

List five examples of other potentially infectious materials (OPIMs).

Semen, cerebrospinal fluid, visibly contaminated body fluids, saliva in dental procedures, unfixed human tissue. Signup and view all the answers

List examples of nonintact skin.

Skin with dermatitis, abrasions, cuts, burns. Signup and view all the answers

What is an exposure incident? List examples of exposure incidents.

An exposure incident is contact with blood or OPIM. Examples include contaminated needlesticks, blood splashes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the exposure control plan (ECP)? How often must it be updated?

To outline protective measures against bloodborne pathogens. It must be updated at least annually. Signup and view all the answers

List three examples of items to which a biohazard warning label must be attached.

Containers of regulated waste, refrigerators used to store OPIM, containers for transporting blood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sharps injury log? What type of offices must maintain this log?

To track needlestick injuries and identify problem areas. Required for employers with more than 10 employees at risk. Signup and view all the answers

Define an engineering control, and list three examples of engineering controls.

Measures that isolate bloodborne pathogens. Examples: handwashing facilities, safer medical devices, biohazard containers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a safer medical device?

A device that minimizes the likelihood of exposure incidents involving contaminated sharps. Signup and view all the answers

What is a work practice control?

A measure that reduces exposure likelihood by altering how tasks are performed. Signup and view all the answers

List examples of work practice controls required by the OSHA standard.

Minimizing splashing and spattering, bandaging cuts before gloving, washing hands after glove removal. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you splash blood in your eyes?

Flush the eyes with water as soon as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is personal protective equipment (PPE)? List examples of PPE.

PPE is equipment that protects from blood or OPIM. Examples: face shields, masks, laboratory coats. Signup and view all the answers

List six guidelines that must be followed when using personal protective equipment (PPE).

PPE must prevent blood transfer, must be provided by employer at no cost, must be replaced when damaged. Signup and view all the answers

List examples of housekeeping procedures required by the OSHA standard.

Clean equipment after procedures, inspect reusable receptacles regularly, handle contaminated laundry properly. Signup and view all the answers

List four guidelines that must be followed with respect to biohazard sharps containers.

Locate close to use area; maintain upright; do not reach in; replace when 3/4 full. Signup and view all the answers

Who must be offered the hepatitis B vaccination?

All medical office personnel who have occupational exposure. Signup and view all the answers

When does an employer not have to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to medical office personnel?

If previously vaccinated, if immune, or if contraindicated for medical reasons. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if a medical office employee declines the hepatitis B vaccination?

He or she must sign a hepatitis B waiver form documenting refusal. Signup and view all the answers

What is regulated medical waste? What are examples of regulated medical waste?

Medical waste that poses a threat to health and safety. Examples include liquid blood, contaminated sharps. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how to prepare regulated medical waste for pickup by a medical waste service.

Place biohazard bags in a box labeled with a biohazard warning. Signup and view all the answers

How should regulated medical waste be stored while waiting for pickup by the medical waste service? Explain why.

Store in a locked room to prevent unauthorized access. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Microorganisms and Medical Asepsis

Types of microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and animal parasites.
Medical asepsis involves practices to inhibit growth and transmission of pathogens, ensuring cleanliness and non-infection.

Microorganism Growth and Transmission

Microorganisms require proper nutrition, oxygen, optimal temperature, darkness, moisture, and neutral pH to thrive.
Nonpathogenic microorganisms may remain on medically aseptic objects.
Transmission occurs through direct contact, droplet infection, contaminated items, food, water, and insects.

Infection Entry Points and Host Susceptibility

Microorganisms can enter the body via the mouth, nose, eyes, skin breaks, and mucous membranes.
Factors increasing susceptibility to infection include poor health, hygiene, nutrition, and stress.

Body Defense Mechanisms

Protective barriers include skin, mucous membranes, and bodily secretions (tears, sweat, hydrochloric acid).
Resident flora are nonpathogenic microbes living on skin, while transient flora can be pathogenic and easily removed through hygiene.

Hand Hygiene Practices

Essential handwashing times: visibly soiled hands, before eating, after restroom use.
Antiseptic handwashing sanitizes hands through mechanical actions and agents used.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective pre- and post-patient contact and after glove removal.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Measures

Latex gloves provide comfort, dexterity, and barrier protection but can cause allergies.
Employers must provide PPE at no cost and maintain standards for use, including proper sizes and replacement protocols.

OSHA Standards and Waste Management

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, aimed at providing safe work environments.
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard reduces risk of exposure to infectious diseases among healthcare workers.
Regulated medical waste includes any hazardous materials, such as contaminated sharps and fluids, and must be handled with specific protocols.

Exposure Incidents and Safety Protocols

An exposure incident involves contact with blood or potentially infectious materials during duties.
Engineering controls, like handwashing facilities and sharp containers, help isolate hazards.
Work practice controls seek to minimize exposure through safe procedures in healthcare environments.

Vaccination and Infection Prevention

Hepatitis B vaccination is required for all healthcare personnel with occupational exposure.
The vaccination is not necessary for individuals already vaccinated, immune, or with medical contraindications.
Post-exposure prophylaxis for unvaccinated individuals includes hepatitis B immune globulin and the vaccine.

HIV, AIDS, and Opportunistic Infections

HIV is the virus causing AIDS; transmission occurs via sexual contact, needle sharing, and from mother to child.
Opportunistic infections arise from a weakened immune system unable to combat typical environmental pathogens.
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to severe liver conditions, including cirrhosis and cancer.

General Guidelines and Responsibilities

Maintain hygiene by disposing of contaminated items properly and documenting exposure incidents.
Follow biohazard labeling and tracking for waste disposal, ensuring safety procedures are in place for cleaning and decontamination.

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Description

Explore critical concepts of medical asepsis in this quiz based on Chapter 17. Learn about various microorganisms and the practices necessary to prevent the spread of infection. Enhance your understanding of OSHA standards related to infection control.

Medical Asepsis and OSHA Standard