29 Questions
What is the primary reason why injuries with contaminated needles are a concern in healthcare settings?
They pose the risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses
Which of the following is a recommended safety measure for handling sharps?
Wear gloves when handling sharps
What is the significance of anchoring the vein below the insertion site when drawing blood or placing an IV line?
It helps reduce the risk of needle sticks
Which of the following is NOT a part of sharps safety protocol?
Recapping needles
What action should be avoided when handling sharps to prevent risks in healthcare settings?
Recapping needles before disposal
What is a common risk factor associated with sharp injuries according to the text?
Reusing needles
Why can fatigue and stress contribute to sharp injuries?
They can impair judgement and focus
What can be a consequence of underreporting sharp injuries?
Hindering necessary interventions
Why are high-risk procedures like administering injections considered a risk factor for sharp injuries?
They involve direct exposure to sharps
How can inadequate safety devices contribute to sharp injuries?
By lacking proper protection for healthcare professionals
What role does lack of proper training play in the risk of sharp injuries?
It increases awareness about safe needle practices
What is the main goal of the sterile technique?
To eliminate germs entirely
Which technique involves meticulous handwashing and sterile instruments?
Sterile Technique
What does 'sterile to sterile' rule in sterile technique entail?
Avoiding contact between sterile instruments and nonsterile surfaces
Which activity would typically require the clean technique?
Emptying a urinary catheter drainage bag
What is the purpose of the clean technique?
To minimize transmission of microorganisms
When is the term 'non-sterile' often used?
To describe clean technique procedures
What is the main purpose of aseptic technique in pharmacy?
To minimize the transfer of organisms
Which type of medication is commonly administered via intravenous (IV) injections?
Antibiotics, analgesics, and anticoagulants
What is the purpose of ophthalmic preparations in pharmacy?
To apply directly to the eyes for various eye conditions
Which respiratory conditions are inhalation solutions commonly used for?
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What are topical antiseptics and disinfectants primarily applied to in pharmacy?
The skin or mucous membranes
Which of the following is NOT a common example of sterile pharmacy products?
Antibiotics for oral use
What is the main purpose of aseptic techniques in healthcare settings?
To maintain a sterile environment and prevent infection
Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of infection, according to the text?
Colonization
What is the purpose of using a laminar airflow hood in a clean room in compounding pharmacies?
To maintain a sterile environment
How do sterile objects become non-sterile according to the text?
By coming into contact with non-sterile surfaces
What is the No Touch Technique primarily used for in healthcare?
Changing surface dressings without directly touching the wound
Why should only necessary health personnel be present during an operation to maintain a sterile environment?
To avoid unnecessary contamination of the environment
Study Notes
Sharps Injuries and Safety
- Definition: Sharps injuries refer to any penetration of the skin caused by needles, scalpels, broken glass, or other sharp objects contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
- Risks: Transmission of blood-borne viruses, costly to personnel and the healthcare system.
Sharps Safety Precautions
- Wear gloves when handling sharps.
- Never recap a needle.
- Anchor the vein below the insertion site when drawing blood or placing an IV line.
- "Pinch an inch" of skin for subcutaneous injections.
- Dispose of sharps in the appropriate container.
Aseptic Technique
- Purpose: Prevention of transfer of organisms from one person to another by keeping the microbe count to an irreducible minimum.
- Strategies: Sterilization of tools and equipment, environmental controls, and no-touch technique.
Sterile Pharmacy Products
- Injectable medications (IV, IM, SC injections)
- Intravenous (IV) solutions
- Ophthalmic preparations (eye drops, ointments, or gels)
- Inhalation solutions (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytics)
- Topical antiseptics and disinfectants
No-Touch Technique
- Method of changing surface dressings without directly touching the wound or any surface that might come in contact with the wound.
Colonization and Infection
- Colonization: Presence of microorganisms without signs and/or symptoms of infection.
- Infection: Presence of microorganisms with signs and/or symptoms of the disease.
Contact Guidelines
- Sterile objects become non-sterile if they contact a non-sterile item or surface.
- Importance of proper hand hygiene and avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Risk Factors Associated with Sharp Injuries
- Lack of proper training
- Fatigue and stress
- Improper handling and disposal
- Needle reuse
- High-risk procedures
- Inadequate safety devices
- Environmental factors
- Underreporting
Clean Technique
- Strategies to reduce the overall number of microorganisms or prevent transmission.
- Used for: Giving injections, emptying urinary catheter drainage bags, giving bed baths, inserting/removing peripheral IVs, removing urinary catheters.
Sterile Technique
- Strategies to maintain objects and areas as free from microorganisms as possible.
- Used in: Dressing change procedures, application of sterile dressings, and maintaining a sterile field.
Learn about sharps injuries in healthcare settings, including the risks they pose to patients and healthcare providers. Understand the importance of safe injection practices and preventing infections from contaminated needles and sharp devices.
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