Bloodborne Pathogens Flashcards
What is the most serious health threat that healthcare providers face to their own health on a day-to-day basis in clinical practice?
Bloodborne pathogens
With what bloodborne pathogens is a healthcare provider most likely to come into contact?
HIV, HBV, HCV
Are bloodborne pathogens solely found in the blood?
No; they are also found in other bodily fluids (such as saliva, semen, breast milk, and vaginal secretions)
What class of pathogen are most bloodborne pathogens for which healthcare providers are most at risk?
Viruses (HIV, HBV, HCV)
Will coughing or sneezing into another person’s mucous membranes transmit bloodborne pathogens?
No;
this is extremely unlikely.
However, splashing infected fluids into a person’s mucous membranes can result in infection.
Will bloodborne pathogens be spread via sharing food?
No
How should all needles and other sharps be considered in the healthcare (or other) setting? (This applies to any bodily fluids)
As infected
What is the first step following an accidental needle stick or other introduction of potentially infected material to the body?
Wash the exposed area thoroughly with warm water and antiseptic soap.
What should be worn when dealing with any blood or bodily fluids?
Gloves and other necessary PPE
How long after a hepatitis B needle stick is the vaccine still effective?
1 week
How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?
70%
What should be done to one’s own open wounds or sores to prevent contact with a patient’s bodily fluids?
Any wounds should be thoroughly and tightly bandaged
Upon washing a potentially infected site with warm water and antiseptic soap, what should be done next?
Immediately head for the nearest nurses’ station
What should employers have to protect their employees from bloodborne pathogens?
An ECP (exposure control plan)
What is an ECP (exposure control plan)?
Identifies risky, jobs mandates training, Identifies precautions to minimize exposure and procedures to follow if an exposure incident occurs
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Addresses waste disposal, personal hygiene, good housekeeping, laundry, and warning signs and labels
What is the first line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?
Engineering controls
(sharps containers, self-sheathing needles, etc.)
1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE
What is the second line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?
Work practice controls
(antiseptic soap use, proper handling and disposal of infected waste, etc.)
1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE
What is the third line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?
PPE
(masks, gloves, gowns, spill clean-up kits, etc.)
1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE
Where should any material potentially contaminated with bodily fluids or hazardous materials be put?
In labeled biohazard bins
What cloth might not always be thought of as a potential biohazard but should be?
Laundry
What three events must occur following a bloodborne pathogen exposure?
Medical evaluation, post-evaluation, and sharps injury log
What CPR/resuscitation device helps prevent prolonged mucous membrane contact between medical providers and patients?
An ambu bag
What is a good disinfectant for bloodborne pathogens?
Dilute bleach
