Aseptic Technique and Infection Control

Question 1

AIDS

Answer 1

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Disorder caused when HIV damages the immune system, leaving the person open to kinds of infections that other people rarely get or fight off easily.

Question 2

Asepsis

Answer 2

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms (germs).

Question 3

Bloodborne

Answer 3

Viruses or diseases spread by contact with blood.

Question 4

Carrier

Answer 4

A person who can spread an infectious agent such as HIV or HBV.

Question 5

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer 5

The U.S. agency that tracks the spread of diseases. It developed Universal Precautions for controlling HBV, HCV and HIV in the workplace. It is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Question 6

Contaminate

Answer 6

To make impure or dirty.

Question 7

Exposure

Answer 7

Contact with blood, body fluids or tissue in a way that could allow the hepatitis B virus or the virus that causes AIDS to get into the body.

Question 8

Germicide

Answer 8

A material that is used to kill germs.

Question 9

Hepatitis B

Answer 9

Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Severe acute hepatitis B or chronic active hepatitis can be deadly.

Question 10

Hepatitis C

Answer 10

Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.

Question 11

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Answer 11

Virus that causes AIDS.

Question 12

Infectious

Answer 12

Capable of transmitting infection.

Question 13

Medical asepsis

Answer 13

A term used to describe procedures that reduce the number of microorganisms and work to prevent their spread.

Question 14

Mucous membranes

Answer 14

The tissue that lines the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Question 15

Modes of transmission

Answer 15

The ways that infections are spread from one person to another.

Question 16

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Answer 16

Equipment that workers wear as a barrier against transmission of infection. Includes protective gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, face shields, and resuscitation equipment.

Question 17

Standard Precautions

Answer 17

Guidelines for controlling infection developed by the CDC that are broader than Universal Precautions in that they are directed at all body fluids, secretions (except sweat), and excretions, regardless of whether they contain blood. They also cover contact with nonintact skin and mucous membranes.

Question 18

Surgical asepsis

Answer 18

A term used to describe procedures used to eliminate any microorganisms, such as sterilization procedures.

Question 19

Vaccine

Answer 19

Agent given for the purpose of establishing resistance to an infectious disease, such as hepatitis B.

Question 20

The chain of infection.

Answer 20

Pathogen
Reservoir
Portal of Exit
Mode of Transmission
Portal of Entry
Susceptible Host

1. Pathogen - A pathogen may be a bacterium such or Salmonella, it may be a virus such as hepatitis B, or it may be a fungus like Candida or a parasite such as a tapeworm.
2. Reservoir - Because pathogens are living organisms, their survival depends on an environment where they exist and reproduce. This environment is called the reservoir. A reservoir may be water, food, or a piece of equipment that has not been disinfected. Humans and other animals can also be reservoirs. A human reservoir may or may not show signs of illness.
3. Portal of Exit - The portal of exit is the path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir. A portal of exit may be the respiratory tract, such as when pathogens are coughed or sneezed into the air, or the gastrointestinal tract, such as when waste products are excreted.
4. Mode of Transmission - mechanism by which the pathogen is transmitted from the reservoir to a susceptible host – a person who may then become infected. A pathogen may be transmitted by contact with an infected person, through airborne transmission of contaminated droplets, or common vehicle transmission, such as from contaminated food, water or reusable equipment.
5. Portal of Entry - the path by which a pathogen enters the susceptible host. The portal of entry may be the respiratory tract, such as when pathogens are inhaled. Pathogens may enter the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract by contaminated food, water, or objects. A lesion or wound, and mucous membranes may also be portals of entry. Entry may occur by insertion of needles or other devices.

Susceptible host - a person who can’t resist a pathogen. Factors that influence a person’s susceptibility include age, health status, and immune status.

Question 21

What is the most effective single procedure for preventing infection?

Answer 21

Hand hygiene

Question 22

When should you wash your hands?

Answer 22

Before and after direct contact with a patient
Before and after wearing gloves
After touching patient care equipment or environmental surfaces
Before performing invasive procedures

Question 23

What is the most effective technique in hand decontamination?

Answer 23

Alcohol-based hand rub

Question 24

How should you wash your hands?

Answer 24

The manufacturer’s recommended amount of the agent should be applied to the palm of one hand. Then the hands should be rubbed together so the agent covers all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rub until the hands are dry, and do not rinse.

Question 25

What are the 3 transmission-based precautions?

Answer 25

Airborne precautions - smaller than 5 microns

Droplet precautions - larger than 5 microns

Contact precautions - transmitted by direct contact with the patient.

Question 26

What are the two types of soap used in washing hands?

Answer 26

Alcohol-based and antimicrobial