Non Clinical - Staff Education - Infection Control

Standard precautions are used when in contact with blood, body fluid, and non-intact skin of all patients. This means that healthcare providers should follow these precautions regardless of the patient's specific condition or infection status. Standard precautions include practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and proper handling and disposal of sharps. These precautions are essential in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases and ensuring the safety of both healthcare providers and patients.

The correct answer is "All of the above." Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes gloves, gown, and mask. PPE is worn to protect individuals from potential hazards in their work environment. Gloves provide hand protection, gowns protect the body, and masks protect the face and respiratory system. By using all of these PPE items together, individuals can minimize the risk of exposure to harmful substances or pathogens.

Alcohol-based hand rubs are not sufficient in this case.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes, as well as through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Therefore, isolation measures need to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus both through airborne transmission and contact with the infected person or their belongings. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining proper hand hygiene, and implementing respiratory hygiene measures such as wearing masks and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Healthcare workers exhibiting signs and symptoms of the flu should not take care of patients because they can easily transmit the virus to vulnerable individuals who may already have compromised immune systems. This can lead to the spread of the flu within healthcare settings, potentially causing severe illness or even death in patients. It is crucial for healthcare workers to prioritize patient safety and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The correct answer is 40-60 seconds. Washing hands for at least 40-60 seconds is recommended to effectively remove dirt, germs, and bacteria. This duration allows enough time for the soap to create a lather, which helps in breaking down and removing the microorganisms from the hands. Washing hands for a shorter duration may not be sufficient to achieve proper cleanliness and hygiene.

When you get a needle stick injury, it is important to take immediate action to prevent any potential infections. Washing the wound with running water and soap helps to clean the area and remove any bacteria that may be present. Encouraging the wound to gently bleed can help to flush out any pathogens. Afterward, drying the wound and covering it with a waterproof dressing helps to protect it from further contamination. Seeking urgent medical advice is necessary to assess the severity of the injury and determine if any further treatment is needed. Reporting the injury to your employer is important for documentation and potential follow-up actions. Therefore, all of the above actions are necessary in the case of a needle stick injury.

The minimum % alcohol that an alcohol-based hand rub should contain is 60%. This is because alcohol is the active ingredient that effectively kills germs and bacteria on the hands. A concentration of 60% or higher is required to ensure the hand rub is effective in disinfecting the hands. Lower concentrations may not be as effective in killing germs and reducing the risk of infection.

The statement suggests that semi-critical items need sterilization. However, this is not true. Semi-critical items require high-level disinfection, which is different from sterilization. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, while high-level disinfection kills most microorganisms but may not eliminate bacterial spores. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Hand washing is required for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) isolation because it is an effective measure to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria. MRSA can be easily transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help eliminate the bacteria from the hands, reducing the risk of transmission. It is an essential practice in healthcare settings and also for individuals in general to prevent the spread of MRSA infections.