Surgical Hand Hygiene Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is another term commonly used for surgical hand hygiene?

Antiseptic Procedure

Aseptic Technique

Hand Disinfection

Surgical Scrubbing (correct)

What is the primary goal of surgical hand scrub?

To prevent all forms of skin contamination

To completely sterilize the skin

To reduce the number of resident bacteria to a minimum (correct)

To enhance lathering of soap

Which statement about PPE is true regarding its effectiveness during dental treatment?

PPE acts as a barrier to reduce contamination during treatment. (correct)

PPE items can be reused multiple times before disposal.

PPE has no significant impact on cross infection prevention.

PPE is only necessary for surgical procedures.

Which of the following describes the function of gloves in routine dental treatment?

They protect the hands from contamination with blood and saliva. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice regarding glove usage between patients?

Change gloves in between patients Signup and view all the answers

What happens when single-use gloves are washed or disinfected?

Their barrier properties are reduced Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about nitrile gloves is correct?

They are impermeable to microbes Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypersensitivity reaction is most commonly associated with Natural Rubber Latex?

Delayed hypersensitivity type IV Signup and view all the answers

What is an important measure to take if latex allergies are known?

Use latex-free gloves and equipment Signup and view all the answers

How does hydration of latex affect glove integrity during use?

It can lead to perforations in the gloves Signup and view all the answers

What are common symptoms of immediate hypersensitivity type I from latex exposure?

Asthma, urticaria, and anaphylactic shock Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor regarding hand hygiene when gloves are worn?

Hands must still be washed before and after wearing gloves Signup and view all the answers

What has been observed about the incidence of latex allergy among dental students?

It has risen steadily by 6-18% Signup and view all the answers

How should gloves be managed during long procedures?

Change gloves to reduce sweating and dermal infections Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Surgical Hand Hygiene

Surgical hand hygiene is also known as surgical hand scrub
Two methods of surgical hand hygiene are hand washing and hand scrubbing

Surgical Hand Hygiene: True or False

Cold water does not promote lathering of soap, removing soil and germs effectively
When washing lathered soap on arms and hands, tap water must run off from the fingertips, not the elbows
A wiping motion is done to dry the arms and hands, and air jet drying is not recommended

Surgical Hand Scrub

Surgical scrubbing of the hands and arms does not sterilize the skin
The goal of surgical hand scrub is to reduce the number of resident bacteria to a minimum
If any of the hands touches a surface, the hand scrub procedure must be repeated
The resident bacteria of the hands are microorganisms that are normally present on the skin

Personal Protection for the Prevention of Cross-Infection

Our clothing can be contaminated with pathogens
Nosocomial microbes account for 2/3 of microorganisms found on clothing and normal skin ora
Areas that are heavily colonized and prone to splatter are the chest, forearm, and face
Below the waist, sleeves and pockets should be minimised
During treatment, badges, lanyards, jewelries, and mobile phones kept in the pocket may be contaminated
Wearing a plastic apron or gown reduces contamination by forming a barrier
Proper masking and the usage of face shields protect mucous membranes of the eyes, the nose, and lungs

PPE: Aprons, Gowns, Goggles, Masks, Disposable Gloves

PPE such as aprons, impermeable gowns, goggles, masks, disposable gloves are single-use and are discarded as hazardous infectious waste

Gloves

Gloves are single use
Gloves are worn for all routine dental treatment
Gloves protect the hands from contamination with blood, saliva, and microorganisms
Gloves reduce the risk of cross-infection
Gloves protect the hands from toxic and irritant chemicals
Gloves do not prevent sharp injuries
The wiping effect of gloves reduces the volume of blood to which the healthcare worker is exposed
Gloves reduce the inoculation or transmission of microorganisms
Sterilizing, handling waste, or clenaning up spills require gloves
Hands must be washed before and after donning gloves
Gloves are not an alternative to hand washing
Changing gloves between patients prevents cross infection
Do not touch patient surroundings, the face, nose, ballpen when gloves are worn
Never reuse single use gloves
Never wash or disinfect single use gloves, this reduces the barrier properties of gloves
Keep glove wear to a minimum (worn immediately and removed immediately after treatment)
Change gloves between long procedures
Gloves develop perforations due to hydration of the latex
Changing gloves during long procedures reduces sweating, decreases dermal infection
Hands are not necessarily clean because gloves have been worn

Choosing Suitable Gloves

Latex and nitrile gloves are the most commonly used gloves in dentistry
Both gloves permit manual dexterity
Both gloves are impermeable to microbes
Latex allergy = nitrile
Nitrile allergy = alternative materials

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) is impermeable to BBV (Blood-borne viruses)
NRL gloves are close fitting
NRL gloves do not interfere with dexterity
NRL allergy has risen steadily by 6-18% (European data)
NRL allergy is common among dental students
Sensitivity to NRL may develop even after prolonged successful usage
Sensitivity is triggered by inhalation of airborne latex aeroantigens
Sensitivity can also be triggered by absorption through damaged skin
NRL is a plant product, but chemicals are added during fabrication to imbue it with strength, elasticity, and flexibility.
Delayed hypersensitivity type IV is the most common hypersensitivity reaction to NRL
Delayed hypersensitivity type IV causes contact dermatitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and occurs 6-48 hours after exposure
Immediate hypersensitivity type I causes asthma, urticaria, laryngeal edema, anaphylactic shock, and collapse
Immediate hypersensitivity type I occurs 15-30 minutes after exposure

Managing Latex Allergies

Medical history should include questioning about latex allergy
If allergens are known, list them down
Use latex-free gloves, rubber dam, and equipment
Remind patients to inform all dental staff when making appointments

Respiratory Protective Equipment

Respiratory protective equipment is required against organisms that are transmitted via droplets or airborne routes
Respiratory protective equipment guards against particles created during aerosol-generating procedures
Two types of masks are available: respirator and surgical masks
Neither mask protects against gasses
Masks alone do not protect a healthcare worker
Immunization, adequate surgery ventilation, and safe working practices are all important
Surgical masks are fluid repellant masks that act as a barrier for the nose and the upper respiratory tract
Surgical masks work against sprays, splatter, and droplets
Surgical masks do not have filtering efficiencies compared to respirator masks
Respirator masks are used during the care of patients with respiratory infections transmitted via airborne particles
Examples of respiratory infections requiring respirator masks include Influenza virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
An FFP3 respirator mask is recommended
Compatible eye protection should always be worn
Respirator masks offer a higher degree of personal respiratory protection compared to standard surgical masks
Respirator masks are designed to filter particles smaller than 5um
Particles smaller than 5um are inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs, the alveoli

Respiratory Hygiene

Cough etiquette protocols are necessary in practice waiting areas as some patients may be undiagnosed
Patients should be seated more than 3 feet apart
Proximity of less than 3 feet from an infected person has been associated with increased droplet transmission of bacteria
Examples of bacteria that can be spread by droplet transmission include Neisseria meningitidis (group A streptococcus)

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Description

Test your knowledge on surgical hand hygiene practices, including the techniques of hand washing and scrubbing. This quiz covers important facts about the effectiveness of these methods and personal protection against infection. Perfect for students and professionals in the healthcare field.