Radiography: Infection Control

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Questions and Answers

A pathogen's 'hideout,' such as a contaminated X-ray table, represents which element in the chain of infection?

  • Reservoir (correct)
  • Susceptible Host
  • Mode of Transmission
  • Portal of Exit

Which of the following exemplifies a 'mode of transmission' in the chain of infection?

  • A healthcare worker's open wound
  • The eyes of a patient
  • The weakened immune system of a patient
  • Airborne particles from a cough (correct)

In the context of infection control, what is the primary distinction between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?

  • Medical asepsis aims to reduce the number of pathogens, while surgical asepsis aims to eliminate all pathogens. (correct)
  • Medical asepsis is used in operating rooms, while surgical asepsis is used in general patient care areas.
  • Medical asepsis requires the use of gloves, while surgical asepsis does not.
  • Medical asepsis involves sterilization, while surgical asepsis focuses on disinfection.

What is the significance of fomite transmission in a radiology department?

<p>It highlights the risk of spreading pathogens via contaminated surfaces like X-ray cassettes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is routine disinfection of the X-ray machine control panel important for infection control?

<p>The control panel is frequently touched by multiple healthcare workers, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the chain of infection, what role does a 'portal of entry' play?

<p>It's the location where a pathogen enters a susceptible host. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a radiographer is preparing to assist in a sterile procedure, which type of asepsis is MOST appropriate?

<p>Surgical Asepsis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is handwashing with soap and water preferred over hand sanitizer in certain situations, such as when dealing with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?

<p>Hand sanitizer is ineffective against bacterial spores, while soap and water physically remove them. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a compromised immune system is more likely to become infected. In the chain of infection, how is this patient classified?

<p>Susceptible Host (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would be MOST effective in breaking the 'mode of transmission' link in the chain of infection?

<p>Wearing gloves when handling potentially contaminated materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Select the statement that accurately describes the role of a 'reservoir' in the chain of infection

<p>The reservoir allows the virus to live and increase in number. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a radiographer has a small cut on their hand, how does this primarily increase the risk of infection in the context of the chain of infection?

<p>It provides a portal of entry for pathogens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action best represents breaking the 'portal of exit' link in the chain of infection?

<p>Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A radiographer is preparing to perform a portable chest X-ray on a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient is on multiple lines and tubes. What is the MOST important consideration regarding infection control in this scenario?

<p>Preventing contamination of the patient's lines and tubes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After completing an imaging exam on a patient with known Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) infection, what is the MOST appropriate first step for the radiographer to take regarding infection control?

<p>Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pathogen

The causative agent, such as bacteria or a virus, that initiates an infection.

Reservoir

The environment where a pathogen lives and multiplies, like a contaminated surface.

Portal of Exit

The way a pathogen leaves the reservoir, such as through sneezing or an open wound.

Mode of Transmission

How a pathogen travels from one host to another; can be direct, airborne, or via fomites.

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Portal of Entry

How a pathogen enters a new host, such as through the eyes, nose, or broken skin.

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Susceptible Host

An individual with a weakened immune system who is at risk of infection.

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Asepsis

Practices used to minimize the risk of infection; includes medical and surgical asepsis.

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Medical Asepsis

Also known as 'clean technique,' it includes handwashing and disinfecting surfaces.

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Surgical Asepsis

The 'NO GERMS ALLOWED' level; requires 100% sterile conditions.

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Fomite

Objects that can carry and transmit pathogens, like X-ray cassettes.

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Hand Hygiene

Regular handwashing

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using barriers to prevent contact with infectious materials.

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Environmental Cleaning

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to remove pathogens.

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Standard Precautions

Practices to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another.

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Study Notes

  • The podcast episode "Infection Control: Breaking the Chain (of Infection, Not Friendship!)" from X-Ray Chats discusses infection control in radiography.

The Chain of Infection

  • Infections follow a pattern known as the chain of infection.
  • The chain consists of six elements: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
  • Pathogen refers to the bacteria or virus that causes the infection.
  • Reservoir is where the pathogen lives, such as a contaminated surface.
  • Portal of exit is how the pathogen leaves the reservoir (e.g., sneezing, open wound).
  • Mode of transmission is how the pathogen spreads (e.g., direct contact, airborne particles).
  • Portal of entry is how the pathogen enters a new host (e.g., eyes, nose, open skin).
  • Susceptible host refers to someone with a weak immune system who is vulnerable to infection.
  • Radiographers act as "infection control detectives" to identify risks and prevent the spread of infection.

Asepsis

  • Asepsis is the practice of maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs.
  • Medical asepsis, or "clean technique," involves handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing gloves.
  • Surgical asepsis is a more stringent "NO GERMS ALLOWED" approach that requires complete sterility.
  • Surgical asepsis is necessary in operating rooms and during injections, and procedures requiring a sterile field.
  • Fomite transmission occurs when bacteria and viruses live on surfaces.
  • X-ray cassettes, lead aprons, and control panels can be germ hot zones if not cleaned properly.

Infection Control Trivia

  • Hand sanitizer does not kill all germs; some, like C. diff, require soap and water.
  • X-ray rooms are not naturally sterile due to radiation.
  • Disinfection is still required to clean surfaces.
  • Infections can spread from an X-ray machine if it is not properly cleaned.
  • Proper cleaning of hands and equipment are vital in preventing infection,

Closing Remarks

  • Infection control requires clean hands, disinfected equipment, and proper aseptic techniques.
  • Radiographers should prioritize hand hygiene and equipment sterilization to maintain a safe environment.

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