Medical Asepsis and Infection Control 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum duration for proper handwashing to effectively remove pathogens?

15 seconds

20 seconds (correct)

10 seconds

30 seconds

Which of the following statements about glove usage is correct?

Gloves should always be worn when handling non-infectious materials.

Gloves should be sanitized rather than discarded after use.

Gloves can be reused if not visibly soiled.

Gloves should be changed between procedures and after handling infectious drainage. (correct)

Why is it essential to wear fluid-resistant gowns in certain situations?

To ensure comfort while caring for clients.

To indicate to others that you are in isolation.

To prevent direct contact with body fluids and reduce infection risk. (correct)

To maintain uniformity in appearance.

What should be done with contaminated linen?

It should be separated according to facility policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method for hand hygiene when caring for a client with diarrhea?

Washing hands with soap and water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for removing gloves?

Turning them inside out using the palm of one glove to remove the other. Signup and view all the answers

When should masks and goggles be worn?

To protect against inhalation of harmful microorganisms during all patient interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using puncture-resistant containers for sharps disposal?

To prevent injury and exposure to contaminants. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions is it not advisable to recap or bend used needles?

After using them to ensure safety. Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured regarding the gown worn during client care in isolation?

It should cover the entire uniform down to below the knees. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of airborne precautions?

To prevent the spread of microorganisms inhaled through small droplets Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes contact precautions?

They emphasize the need for gloves and gowns to prevent direct contact transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a sterile package that becomes wet?

It should be discarded immediately regardless of the contents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended time frame for wearing a mask?

For no longer than 20-30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the procedure for opening sterile packages?

Grasp the outermost flap away from your body. Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken when transporting clients under isolation precautions?

Limit transportation to necessary occasions. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered unsterile in the surgical asepsis principle?

The 1-inch outer border of the sterile field Signup and view all the answers

What should caregivers avoid doing over open sterile items?

Coughing, sneezing, or talking Signup and view all the answers

What type of mask must caregivers wear when attending to clients requiring airborne precautions?

N95 mask that is fit-tested Signup and view all the answers

What type of items should not be brought into the room of an immunocompromised client?

Live plants and raw fruits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical component of standard precautions?

Thorough handwashing with soap and water Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to gloves before usage in a healthcare setting?

Inspect for perforation before wearing Signup and view all the answers

When should fluid-resistant gowns be utilized?

For care of clients in isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a correct action for handling single-use items?

Discard immediately after use Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for wearing powder-free gloves?

To reduce the risk of latex allergy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a part of miscellaneous standard precautions?

Wearing sunglasses in patient areas Signup and view all the answers

When should hand hygiene with soap and water be prioritized over alcohol-based sanitizers?

When hands are visibly soiled Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if gloves are damaged during use?

Change gloves immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which action is appropriate for disposing of sharps?

Use appropriate sharps containers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wearing masks, eye protection, and face shields in a healthcare setting?

To protect against exposure based on patient needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) after contact with a patient?

Gloves, gown, mask Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the requirements for contacts precautions?

Private room, gloves, and gown Signup and view all the answers

What step should be taken immediately after donning a mask?

Secure the mask with ties or ear loops Signup and view all the answers

What is required for clients receiving airborne precautions?

Private room with negative pressure Signup and view all the answers

In surgical asepsis, which principle involves the positioning of sterile objects?

Above waistline and in sight Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a sterile package becomes wet?

Consider the package unsterile and discard it Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a guideline for handling sterile solutions?

Lip the bottle before using it Signup and view all the answers

What type of items are strictly prohibited in the room of an immunocompromised client?

Uncooked fruits or vegetables Signup and view all the answers

How should a gown be removed to ensure minimal contamination?

Roll the gown inward and handle the inside Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition are sterile fields considered contaminated?

If the field is touched by a non-sterile glove Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions apply to all blood products, bodily fluids, broken skin, and mucous membranes, and are designed to prevent the spread of infection.
Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer until dry is crucial.
Gloves should be worn anytime there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids.
Masks, eye protection, and face shields should be used according to the needs of the client.
Gowns should be fluid resistant and used when there is a risk of splashing or contact with bodily fluids.
Biohazard waste should be disposed of in appropriate containers as per facility policy.
Linen should be managed according to facility policy and should be separated for isolation clients.
Used sharps should be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, and needles should never be recapped, bent, or broken.
All items should be considered single-use unless explicitly stated otherwise by the facility.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most important preventative technique in infection control.
Hands should be washed before and after client care, removal of gloves, between clients, after touching bodily fluids, and when hands are visibly soiled.
Soap and water should be used for clients with diarrhea, as alcohol-based sanitizer may not effectively remove C. difficile bacteria.

Gloving

Gloves should be inspected for perforations before use.
Gloves should be worn when ready to begin client care and should be changed between procedures and after handling infectious drainage.
Gloves should be removed by turning them inside out, using the palm of one glove to remove the other.

Gowning

Gowns should be fluid-resistant and used for clients in isolation or when there is a risk of splashing or contact with bodily fluids.
Gowns should be considered single-use.
Necessary items should be removed before putting on a gown.
Gowns should be secured before entering the room and should cover the entire uniform down to below the knees.
Gowns should be removed by removing gloves first, then unfastening the ties, and then turning the gown inside out and rolling it as you pull it off.

Mask and Goggles

Masks and goggles should be worn to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful microorganisms.
Masks should cover the mouth, nose, and chin, and some masks include a shield to protect the eyes.
Masks should be secured with ties or ear loops and should be worn for no longer than 20-30 minutes.
Masks should be removed by unfastening the ties or pulling off the ear loops, and then disposed of by the ties.

Tier Two Transmission Precautions

Airborne Precautions

Airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that can be inhaled via small droplets that can travel long distances on air currents.
Clients requiring airborne precautions need a private room with negative-pressure airflow, with six to twelve exchanges of air per hour.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear N95 masks, which should be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal.

Droplet Precautions

Droplet precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that are spread via larger droplets that travel shorter distances in the air.
Clients requiring droplet precautions need a private room or a room with another client with the same disease process.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear masks.

Contact Precautions

Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that can be transmitted via direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Clients requiring contact precautions need a private room or a room with another client with the same infection.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear gloves and a gown.
Dedicated equipment should be kept in the room to minimize contamination.
Infectious dressings should be disposed of in a single, non-porous bag.

Immunocompromised Clients (Reverse Isolation)

Immunocompromised clients need a private room with limited visitors, and no children or individuals with active infections should be allowed access.
No live plants, flowers, raw fruits and vegetables, or yogurt/buttermilk should be brought into the room.
All surfaces should be cleaned adequately and should be made of hard material.
Caregivers need to wear a head cover, mask, gown, gloves, and even shoe covers.

Transportation of Clients

Client transportation should be limited to reduce the risk of contamination.
If transportation is necessary, precautions should be taken to ensure the environment is not contaminated.### Infection Control
Healthcare workers should wear gowns for contact isolation or masks, depending on the level of isolation required.
Healthcare workers should be aware of cleaning protocols for contact isolation, and clean any surfaces they touch.

Surgical Asepsis

Surgical asepsis is a sterile technique used in surgeries, labor and delivery, and some bedside procedures.
It aims to prevent contamination of sterile fields and materials.
Procedures requiring surgical asepsis include IV insertion, wound care, and central line insertion.

Surgical Asepsis Principles

Perform hand hygiene before and after any sterile procedure, including gowning and gloving.
Maintain a clean, dry working surface and use sterile supplies.
Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize airborne contamination.
Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking directly over open sterile items.
Only sterile items can touch other sterile items or the sterile field.
The 1-inch outer border of the sterile field is considered unsterile.
Touch sterile materials with sterile gloves.
Hold sterile objects above the waistline and within visible range.
Discard any non-waterproof sterile package that becomes wet.
Place sterile items on a clean, dry surface.
Check the label of sterile solutions before using them.
When opening a sterile solution, hold the top up and lip (pour some out) before use.
Pour the solution off the same side that was lipped.
When pouring, keep the bottle label facing your palm.
Fluid follows gravity, so during procedures, hold hands above elbows when washing or rinsing.

Opening Sterile Packages

Perform hand hygiene before opening.
Place the package flat on a clean surface.
Remove the tape or seal indicating sterilization date.
Grasp the outermost flap of the package, working away from your body.
Open the first side flap and allow it to lie flat on the surface.
Open the top flap and repeat the process of laying it flat on the surface to prevent contamination.
Open small sterile items in your hand and pass them to someone wearing sterile gloves, or transfer them to the sterile field.

Sterile Gloving

Refer to skill 79 for detailed instructions on sterile gowning and gloving.

Pouring Sterile Solutions

Keep the sterile solution container upright, with the cap side up.
Lip (pour a small amount) out before using the solution.
Keep the bottle label facing your palm to prevent contamination from spills.
Avoid splashing and make sure solution doesn’t touch the container you are pouring it into.

Standard Precautions

Standard precautions apply to all blood products, bodily fluids, broken skin, and mucous membranes, and are designed to prevent the spread of infection.
Hand hygiene is crucial, wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer until dry.
Wear gloves anytime there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids.
Masks, eye protection, and face shields should be used according to the needs of the client.
Use fluid-resistant gowns when there is a risk of splashing or contact with bodily fluids.
Dispose of biohazard waste in appropriate containers as per facility policy.
Manage linen according to facility policy, separating isolation client linens.
Dispose of used sharps in puncture-resistant containers, never recap, bend, or break needles.
Consider all items single-use unless explicitly stated otherwise by the facility.

Hand Hygiene

The most important preventative technique in infection control.
Wash hands before and after client care, removing gloves, between clients, after touching bodily fluids, and when hands are visibly soiled.
Use soap and water for clients with diarrhea, as alcohol-based sanitizer may not effectively remove C.difficile bacteria.

Gloving

Inspect gloves for perforations before use.
Wear gloves when ready to begin client care and change between procedures and after handling infectious drainage.
Remove gloves by turning them inside out, using the palm of one glove to remove the other.

Gowning

Fluid-resistant gowns are used for clients in isolation or when there is a risk of splashing or contact with bodily fluids.
Gowns are considered single-use.
Remove necessary items before putting on a gown.
Secure gowns before entering the room and ensure they cover the entire uniform down to below the knees.
Remove gowns by removing gloves first, then unfastening the ties, turning the gown inside out and rolling it as you pull it off.

Mask and Goggles

Worn to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful microorganisms.
Masks should cover the mouth, nose, and chin, and some masks include a shield to protect the eyes.
Masks should be secured with ties or ear loops and worn for no longer than 20-30 minutes.
Remove masks by unfastening the ties or pulling off the ear loops, and then dispose of them by the ties.

Tier Two Transmission Precautions

Airborne Precautions

Prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that can be inhaled via small droplets that travel long distances on air currents.
Clients requiring airborne precautions need a private room with negative-pressure airflow, with six to twelve exchanges of air per hour.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear N95 masks, which should be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal.

Droplet Precautions

Prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that are spread via larger droplets that travel shorter distances in the air.
Clients requiring droplet precautions need a private room or a room with another client with the same disease process.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear masks.

Contact Precautions

Prevent the spread of infectious microorganisms that can be transmitted via direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Clients requiring contact precautions need a private room or a room with another client with the same infection.
Caregivers and visitors need to wear gloves and a gown.
Dedicated equipment should be kept in the room to minimize contamination.
Infectious dressings should be disposed of in a single, non-porous bag.

Immunocompromised Clients (Reverse Isolation)

Immunocompromised clients need a private room with limited visitors, no children or individuals with active infections should be allowed access.
No live plants, flowers, raw fruits and vegetables, or yogurt/buttermilk should be brought into the room.
All surfaces should be cleaned adequately and should be made of hard material.
Caregivers need to wear a head cover, mask, gown, gloves, and even shoe covers.

Transportation of Clients

Client transportation should be limited to reduce the risk of contamination.
If transportation is necessary, precautions should be taken to ensure the environment is not contaminated.

Infection Control

Healthcare workers should wear gowns for contact isolation or masks, depending on the level of isolation required.
Healthcare workers should be aware of cleaning protocols for contact isolation, and clean any surfaces they touch.

Surgical Asepsis

A sterile technique used in surgeries, labor and delivery, and some bedside procedures.
Aims to prevent contamination of sterile fields and materials.
Procedures requiring surgical asepsis include IV insertion, wound care, and central line insertion.

Surgical Asepsis Principles

Perform hand hygiene before and after any sterile procedure, including gowning and gloving.
Maintain a clean, dry working surface and use sterile supplies.
Ensure adequate ventilation to minimize airborne contamination.
Avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking directly over open sterile items.
Only sterile items can touch other sterile items or the sterile field.
The 1-inch outer border of the sterile field is considered unsterile.
Touch sterile materials with sterile gloves.
Hold sterile objects above the waistline and within visible range.
Discard any non-waterproof sterile package that becomes wet.
Place sterile items on a clean, dry surface.
Check the label of sterile solutions before using them.
When opening a sterile solution, hold the top up and lip (pour some out) before use.
Pour the solution off the same side that was lipped.
When pouring, keep the bottle label facing your palm.
Fluid follows gravity, so during procedures, hold hands above elbows when washing or rinsing.

Opening Sterile Packages

Perform hand hygiene before opening.
Place the package flat on a clean surface.
Remove the tape or seal indicating sterilization date.
Grasp the outermost flap of the package, working away from your body.
Open the first side flap and allow it to lie flat on the surface.
Open the top flap and repeat the process of laying it flat on the surface to prevent contamination.
Open small sterile items in your hand and pass them to someone wearing sterile gloves, or transfer them to the sterile field.

Sterile Gloving

Refer to skill 79 for detailed instructions on sterile gowning and gloving.

Pouring Sterile Solutions

Keep the sterile solution container upright, with the cap side up.
Lip (pour a small amount) out before using the solution.
Keep the bottle label facing your palm to prevent contamination from spills.
Avoid splashing and make sure solution doesn’t touch the container you are pouring it into.

Standard Precautions

Apply to blood, bodily fluids, secretions, broken skin, and mucous membranes
Hand hygiene is crucial, using soap and water or alcohol-based cleansers
Gloves should be worn and inspected for damage, changing if necessary
Masks, eye protection, and face shields are used based on patient needs
Gowns should be fluid-resistant, worn for wound care or potential splashing
Single-use items should not be reused
Thorough handwashing is essential, especially when hands are visibly soiled
Soap and water are preferred over alcohol-based sanitizers for clients with diarrhea

Gloving

Wear powder-free gloves when possible to reduce latex allergy risk
Inspect gloves for damage, wear them only once
Change gloves if torn or after contact with infectious drainage
Do not touch surfaces with contaminated gloves

Gowning

Gowns should be fluid-resistant to protect caregivers and prevent infection spread
Remove unnecessary items before putting on a gown
Secure gown ties before entering the room
Gown should cover uniform to at least below the knees
Remove gloves before removing a gown
Roll the gown inward when removing it

Masks and Goggles

Masks protect caregivers from harmful microorganisms during procedures that cause splashing
Position the mask to cover the chin, mouth, and nose
Secure the mask with ties or ear loops
Avoid touching the mask with contaminated gloves
Remove the mask by grabbing the ties or ear loops and discard it

Tier 2: Transmission Precautions

These precautions are used to protect caregivers and visitors from specific modes of transmission

Airborne Precautions:

Used for infections transmitted through small droplets that can be inhaled
Clients require a private negative pressure room
Caregivers and visitors must wear a fit-tested N95 mask

Droplet Precautions:

Used for infections spread by larger droplets that do not linger in the air
Clients need a private room (double room possible with the same infection)
Caregivers and visitors must wear a mask

Contact Precautions:

Used for infections that spread through direct contact
Clients require a private room
Caregivers and visitors must wear gloves and a gown

Immune-Compromised Clients (Reverse Isolation):

Clients with weakened immune systems require protection from infection
Private room, limited visitors (no children), no uncooked produce, and no live-culture yogurt
Anyone entering the room must wear a head cover, mask, gown, gloves, and possibly shoe covers

Transporting Clients

Transportation of clients is minimized
Steps are taken to ensure environmental safety and minimize potential contamination

Contact Isolation

Healthcare workers must wear gowns or masks when contacting patients in contact isolation.- Healthcare workers in contact isolation may require full PPE depending on the type of isolation.- Healthcare workers in contact isolation must clean surfaces they touch.

Surgical Asepsis

Surgical Asepsis is a sterile technique primarily used in surgical areas but can be applied at the bedside for procedures like IV insertion.- IV insertions require specific equipment to be kept sterile.- Sterile technique involves preparing the patient by explaining the procedure and ensuring no sudden movements are made.- Patients should avoid touching sterile supplies, drapes, and gloves.- Patients should avoid coughing, sneezing, or talking over the sterile area.

Sterile Technique Principles

Wash hands before sterile procedures, including opening sterile products.- Avoid prolonged exposure of sterile items to airborne organisms.- Close containers immediately after use.- Avoid coughing or talking over open sterile items.- Do not perform sterile procedures while sick.- Only sterile items can touch sterile items or the sterile field.- The outer edge of a sterile field is considered unsterile.- Touch sterile materials only with sterile gloves.- Hold sterile objects above the waistline and within visible range.- Consider a package unsterile if punctured, torn, or wet.- Do not reach across or hover over a sterile field.- Open packages away from the body.- Discard any non-waterproof sterile package that becomes wet.- Place sterile items on a clean, dry surface.- Check the label of sterile solutions to ensure the date of opening is less than 24 hours.- Always hold sterile solutions upright with the label facing your palm.- Lip or pour a small amount of solution out of the bottle before using.- Pour solutions off the same side that was lipped.- Fluid follows gravity, so keep hands above elbows and dry from fingers to elbows.- Sterilized items have stickers indicating sterility date.- Prepare a clean working environment before placing sterile supplies.- Open sterile packages by grasping the outer surface of the flap and pulling it away from the body.- Lay open flaps flat on a clean surface.- When opening a small sterile item, hold it in your hand to pass to another person wearing sterile gloves.- Pour solutions by holding the bottle upright, with the label facing the palm to prevent obscuring the label.- Keep the edge of the bottle from touching the receiving container.- Use sterile technique for pouring solutions to avoid contamination and ensure aseptic procedures.- Healthcare providers should be able to utilize sterile technique proficiently.- The principles of sterile technique are crucial in maintaining aseptic processes in healthcare settings.

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Description

This quiz covers essential standard precautions for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings. Topics include hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and safe disposal of biohazard waste. Test your knowledge on the practices necessary to protect both patients and healthcare workers.