Surgical Hand Hygiene Quiz

Surgical Hand Hygiene

• Surgical hand hygiene is also known as hand scrubbing.
• Two methods of surgical hand hygiene are scrubbing and handwashing.

True or False Questions

• Cold water promotes effective lathering of soap, leading to better soil and germ removal. (False)
• When washing lathered soap on arms and hands, tap water should run from the elbows onto the skin. (True)
• A wiping motion is appropriate for drying the arms and hands, and avoiding air jet drying. (True)
• Surgical scrubbing of hands and arms sterilizes the skin, allowing extensive disinfection. (True)
• The goal of surgical hand scrubbing is to minimize the number of resident bacteria. (True)
• When any part of the hands touch a surface, the hand scrub procedure should be lengthened to 1-5 minutes. (True)

Resident Bacteria

• Resident bacteria on the hands are... (Answer missing in the document)

Infection Control in Dentistry

• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is crucial for preventing cross-infection.

Why Wear PPE

• Clothing can be contaminated with pathogens.
• Nosocomial microbes account for a significant portion of microorganisms found on clothing and normal skin.
• Areas like the chest, forearms, and face are heavily colonized and prone to splatter contamination.
• Areas below the waist, sleeves, and pockets are also prone to contamination.
• Items like badges, lanyards, jewelry, and mobile phones kept in the pocket can become contaminated during treatment.
• Wearing plastic aprons and proper masking with face shields reduce contamination and protect mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and lungs).

Gloves

• Gloves are single-use items worn for routine dental treatments.
• They protect hands from contamination with blood, saliva, and microorganisms.
• Use of gloves reduces the risk of cross-infection.
• Gloves should not be used as a replacement for proper hand washing.
• Gloves can be worn during procedures to protect hands from toxic and irritant chemicals.
• Gloves do not prevent sharp injuries.
• Frequent glove changes reduce the volume of blood to which health care workers are exposed.
• Glove changes reduce inoculation or transmission of microorganisms.
• Gloves should be worn for routine dental treatment, sterilizing, handling waste, or cleaning up spills.

Good Practices for Glove Use

• Wash hands before and after putting on gloves.
• Gloves should not be used as a replacement for hand washing.
• Changing gloves between patients prevents cross-contamination.
• Avoid touching the patient's surroundings, the face, nose, or ballpoint pens while wearing gloves.
• Never reuse single-use gloves.
• Do not wash or disinfect single-use gloves as this can reduce their barrier properties.
• Maintain minimal glove use by putting gloves on immediately before treatment and removing them immediately afterward.
• Change gloves in between long procedures.
• Gloves do not require the hands to be clean before being worn, as the gloves provide a barrier.
• Maintain hand hygiene to prevent contamination of the surrounding surfaces.

Choosing Suitable Gloves

• Latex and nitrile gloves are commonly used in dentistry.
• Both types typically allow dexterity and are impermeable to microbes.
• If you're allergic to latex, use nitrile gloves.
• If you're allergic to nitrile, (information is missing about alternative types.)

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

• Natural rubber latex is generally impermeable to bodily fluids.
• The material provides close fitting and does not interfere with dexterity.
• NRL allergy is increasing steadily (6-18% in Europe) and is common among dental students.
• Allergy can develop even after prolonged successful use.
• Aeroantigens are a trigger for sensitivity.
• Sensitivity can develop from skin absorption as well as inhalation.
• Chemical additions during fabrication imbue it with the required strength, elasticity, and flexibility.
• Delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV) reactions such as contact dermatitis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis might occur from NRL.
• Reactions typically appear within 6-48 hours after exposure.
• Immediate hypersensitivity (Type I) reactions can also occur including asthma, urticaria, laryngeal edema, and anaphylactic shock and collapse.
• These reactions generally occur within 15-30 minutes of exposure.

Managing Latex Allergies

• Check medical history of patients for latex allergy.
• Use latex-free gloves, rubber dams, and equipment if latex allergy is known.
• Remind patients to inform all dental staff about latex allergies during appointments and for follow-up appointments.

Assignment

• List down alternatives to NRL and nitrile gloves.
• Dental settings
• 2-3 page report

Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is needed to protect against airborne pathogens transmitted by droplets.
• Protect against particles generated by aerosol-generating procedures.
• Two types of masks include respirators and surgical masks.

Surgical Masks

• Fluid-repellent surgical masks provide a barrier for the nose and upper respiratory tract.
• These masks work against sprays, splatter, and droplets.
• Surgical masks offer limited filtering efficiency compared to respirators.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (Continued)

• Masks do not protect against gasses.
• Immunization, adequate surgery ventilation, and safe practices.

Respirator Masks

• Used to provide protection to patients and healthcare workers during procedures like influenza virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and mycobacterium tuberculosis cases.
• FFP3 respirator masks are recommended.
• Respirator masks offer higher protection against respiratory hazards compared to surgical masks.
• These masks filter particles smaller than 5µm, targeting deep lung tissues.
• Compatible eye protection is mandatory.
• Masks should always fit the wearer and are specific to each product, as each product’s fit and seal will vary.

Respiratory Hygiene

• Cough etiquette protocols are crucial in waiting areas.
• Some respiratory issues remain undiagnosed.
• Proper seating arrangements should provide a minimum 3 feet distance between patients.
• Proximity less than 3 feet from an infected patient has higher risk of transmitting droplets and bacteria; such as Neisseria meningitidis.

Test your knowledge on surgical hand hygiene practices, including scrubbing methods and true or false statements related to infection control. Understand the importance of maintaining effective scrub techniques to minimize bacteria during surgeries. This quiz is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.