Standard Precautions for Infection Control Quiz

Pathogen Classification

• Bacteria are classified based on shape, such as spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral-shaped (spirochetes)

Viruses

• Influenza is caused by a virus, specifically the influenza virus

Fungi

• Fungi can cause infections like thrush and histoplasmosis

Vectors

• Mosquitoes are an example of a vector for spreading disease

Hospital-Acquired Infections

• Hospital-acquired infections are now commonly referred to as healthcare-associated infections (HAI)
• Hospital-acquired infections can be caused by pathogens like MRSA and C. difficile

Blood-Borne Pathogens

• Blood-borne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B are usually transmitted in a hospital setting through needlestick injuries or contact with infected bodily fluids

Standard Precautions

• Standard Precautions are guidelines used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases
• The purpose of Standard Precautions is to reduce the risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens

Body Fluids

• The following bodily fluids are considered potentially infectious: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, and amniotic fluid
• Sweat is not considered a potentially infectious bodily fluid

Hand Hygiene

• Hands should be washed with soap and water when they are visibly soiled or contaminated with bodily fluids

Specimen Transport

• Specimens should be transported in a sealed container or bag with a biohazard label

Exposure Incidents

• Personnel should report exposure incidents regarding sharps to their supervisors to ensure proper post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is administered

Infection Control

• Protective equipment like gloves, masks, and gowns should be available for use in healthcare settings
• Personnel should wear gloves when in contact with mucous membranes to prevent transmission of infection

Nosocomial Infections

• Nosocomial infections are infections acquired in a healthcare setting, such as urinary tract infections and surgical wound infections
• Influenza is not typically considered a nosocomial infection

Cycle of Infection

• The 'portal of entry' refers to the way a pathogen enters the body
• Iatrogenic infection refers to an infection caused by medical treatment or procedures
• The 'reservoir' in the Cycle of Infection involves the presence of a pathogen capable of causing disease
• All six elements of the Cycle of Infection must be present for infection to occur: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves should be removed and discarded when contaminated or when leaving a patient's room
• Masks should be worn when in close proximity to patients with airborne infections or when performing aerosol-generating procedures
• Protective long sleeve gowns are worn to prevent skin and clothing contamination
• Masks must securely cover the nose and mouth to prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens
• A fit-tested N95 mask is required for procedures like intubation and bronchoscopy
• Reverse isolation is typically practiced in healthcare settings when caring for immunocompromised patients
• Hand hygiene is a crucial step healthcare workers must take to prevent disease transmission

Nursery Precautions

• Health care workers should scrub their hands with antibacterial soap for at least 30 seconds before working with infants
• Materials contaminated by blood or body fluids should be properly cleaned and disinfected before discarding
• A medical radiation technologist (MRT) should report to their supervisor if they suspect or have an infection before entering a nursery