1.
As a healthcare worker, you are at risk for several bloodborne diseases. Which of the following diseases are BLOODBORNE pathogens?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C
D. HIV
Explanation
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are bloodborne pathogens because they can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. These diseases can be contracted by healthcare workers through needlestick injuries, contaminated sharps, or exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. Hepatitis A and syphilis are not typically considered bloodborne pathogens as they are primarily transmitted through other routes such as contaminated food or sexual contact.
2.
Most exposures to bloodborne pathogens result in an infection.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens does not necessarily result in an infection. While there is a risk of infection, it depends on various factors such as the type of pathogen, the amount of blood involved, the duration of exposure, and the effectiveness of preventive measures. Proper precautions, such as using personal protective equipment and following proper hygiene practices, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that most exposures to bloodborne pathogens result in an infection.
3.
If you are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, wait and see if you have any symptoms before you tell anyone of the possible exposure.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is important to immediately inform someone about a possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens, regardless of whether symptoms are present or not. Prompt reporting allows for timely medical evaluation and appropriate preventive measures to be taken. Delaying notification can increase the risk of transmission to others and hinder the effectiveness of any necessary medical interventions.
4.
How can you decrease your exposure risk?
5.
What's the first thing you should do if you get stuck by a contaminated needle?
Correct Answer
B. Wash the affected area with soap and water.
Explanation
If you get stuck by a contaminated needle, the first thing you should do is wash the affected area with soap and water. This is important to reduce the risk of infection and remove any potential contaminants from the skin. Calling the PEP line, ordering Hep B and HIV tests, or contacting the medical director may be necessary steps to take afterward, but immediate cleaning of the affected area is the initial and most crucial action to take.
6.
What's the first thing you should do if you get splashed by blood or fluid in your nose?
7.
What's the first thing you should do if you get splashed by blood or fluid in your eyes?
8.
Who do you need to report the exposure to, and when?
9.
Why is it important to report exposures immediately?
10.
Which is the most "contagious" occupational exposure?
Correct Answer
A. Blood with hepatitis B
Explanation
Hep B (if not immunized): risk of infection with needlestick is 6-30% (depending on the source patient's HBeAg status). Hep C is next infectious (1.8% risk). HIV is last (0.3% if cut or needlestick; 0.1% if splash)
11.
All of these diseases can be transmitted via exposure to INTACT skin.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false. Not all of these diseases can be transmitted via exposure to intact skin. Some diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B, require direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to be transmitted. While other diseases, such as the common cold or flu, can be transmitted through respiratory droplets in the air. Therefore, it is important to take precautions such as wearing gloves or using barriers to prevent the transmission of these diseases.
12.
Which fluids are potentially infectious for HIV?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Pus
E. Blood
Explanation
urine is not infectious unless grossly bloody
13.
What is non-intact skin?
14.
Which disease has no postexposure prophylaxis?
Correct Answer
B. Hepatitis C
Explanation
Hepatitis C is the correct answer because currently there is no effective postexposure prophylaxis available for this disease. Unlike Hepatitis B and HIV, there is no vaccine or specific medication that can be given after exposure to prevent the development of Hepatitis C. Therefore, individuals who have been exposed to Hepatitis C must rely on early detection and treatment to prevent chronic infection and complications.
15.
If you have immunity against Hep B, we will NOT recommend post-exposure prophylaxis against Hep B.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
If a person has immunity against Hepatitis B, it means that their body has developed antibodies to fight against the virus. This indicates that they are already protected against Hepatitis B and do not require post-exposure prophylaxis. Therefore, it is true that if someone has immunity against Hep B, post-exposure prophylaxis is not recommended.
16.
How soon do you need to start medications for post-exposure prophylaxis?
17.
What's the most effective way to protect against Hepatitis B?