chapter 18 Flashcards
What is the role of regulatory agencies
provide safety rules and reuglations for workplaces
- prevent workplace injuries and disease transmissions in health care facilities
What does OSHA stand for
occupational safety and health administration
what does OSHA do
- federal agency
ensure safety of workers with enforcement of health and safety legislation - inspect manuals that health care facilities establish practices to keep employees healthy and safe with
what are written safety practices in health care facilities written in (3)
policy manual
procedure manual
separate infection control manual
what does the CDC stand for
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What is the CDC
- U.S government agency
- developed guidelines to prevent widest possible protection against spread of infection
- tells health care workers to handle all blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, broken skin as if they contained infectious agents
What three things does the CDC try to prevent or provide protection against
disease
injury
disability
What are the basic human needs that form the foundation of health care
safety and security
How can healthcare workers ensure that an environment is safe and secure
keep an awareness of potential hazards for each developmental stage
Name 4 examples of age affecting safety
- growth and development of an unborn child is harmed by exposure to drugs, alcohol, and smoke
- Hazards for children multiply as motor skills develop and environment expands
- Adolescents face danger when abusing drugs, alcohol, or engage in high-risk sexual activity
- Older adults are at risk from falls due to fragile bones or elder abuse that affects 5% of older adults.
What two factors affect peoples safety
physiological
- how peoples body functions
environmental
- conditions in world around them
What physiological systems work together to detect and react to safety issues
musculoskeletal
neurological
what is the musculoskeletal system
bones, joints, and muscles make up musculoskeletal system
provide movement, support, and protection for the human body
What does a disruption or injury to the musculoskeletal system do
affects a person’s mobility
- -> may affect a person’s ability to respond to hazardous situations
- -> increase risk of injury
What causes significant changes in musculoskeletal system
aging
- bones and muscles grow weaker
- bones and muscles become stiff
What is the neurological system
consists of brain, spinal cord, and nerves
work to regulate body functions and enable humans to process information
What does a properly functioning nervous system allow (4)
think clearly
recall past events
imagine solutions
solve problems
what can cause interference with neurological system (4)
biochemical/physiological causes
illness
normal aging changes
influence of drugs or alcohol
What does interference with the neurological system lead to (2)
interference with judgement
interference with motor control
What is fatigue
suffering from extreme weariness or exhaustion
What does fatigue result from
physical or mental activity
–> causing poor perception of danger, faulty judgement, inadequate problem solving
What do environmental factors affect (2)
health
safety
What is essential for a good home
- adequate ventilation
- maintained heating system
- maintained electrical system and appliances
- home carbon-monitoring detectors
- smoke detectors
What can natural gas or propane-fueled heating systems lead to
carbon oxide poisoning
explosions
Why is there a higher risk of injury in workplaces
- dust
- chemicals
- noise
- heights
- dangerous machines
- heavy lifting
- repetitive motion
What are basic safety precautions in the workplace
protective masks
ear plugs
safety goggles
harnesses
how can you decrease equipment related accidents
use equipment for its original use
operate FAMILIAR equipment
use 3 prong electric plugs
do not twist or bend electric cords
be alert to signs that indicate faulty equipment
be alert to wet surfaces
implement a process for reporting and addressing problems with equipment
what are negative environmental factors in a community
air pollution crime hazardous waste sites dilapidated housing low levels of sanitiation
what does a lack of sanitation do
spread disease and infection
what does proper sanitation do (3)
clean water supply
adequate sewage system
absence of insects and rodents
Describe patient safety relative to environment
patients should be familiar with the surroundings
patients should be oriented to layout, safety features, and equipment
patients should know about adjustable bed and side rails, call system, telephone, television, and bathroom
use safety straps and side rails
what does a patient’s identification bracelet do
contain information that must be verified by all health care personnel interacting with the patient
- ensures safety
what are patient falls caused by
effects of medication
debris on the floor
inappropriately placed equipment
what should health care professionals make sure about equipment
it is free from defects
what safety precautions can reduce a health care workers risk of injury (3)
good posture
proper body mechanics
ergonomics
what are risks to health care worker safety (3)
exposure to pathogens, chemicals, and radiation
what are the most common causes of fires in healthcare facilities (3)
careless smoking
faulty electrical equipment
combustion of anesthetic agent
what reduces risk of fires (3)
regular servicing of electrical equipment
strict smoking policies
be familiar with fire safety plan
what is RACE
fire safety acronym
Rescue anyone in immediate danger
Activate fire code system and notify appropriate person
Confine the fire by closing doors and windows
Evacuate patients and other people to a safe area or extinguish fire
what are the classes of fires
A = ordinary combustibles B = flammable liquids C = live electrical
What are A extinguishers for
have ordinary water
on A fires
What are BC extinguishers
are dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers
used for B or C fires
What are ABC fire extinguishers
contain material similar to baking soda used in any type of fire
What is PASS
directions to operate fire extinguisher
Pull locking pin
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep from side to side
What are precautions to take when working with supplemental oxygen (that promotes combustion)
avoid open flames
place no smoking signs
check to see if all electrical equipment is working with no sparks
avoid synthetic fabrics (build up static electricity)
avoid using oils (can ignite in the presence of oxygen)
What are 4 common chemical hazards
alcohol, used as disinfectant and is flammable
ethylene oxide, used for sterilization, and is explosive and flammable
housekeeping products, used for cleaning and disinfecting
various gases used as anesthetics or fuels for gas powered equipment (asphyxiating and combustible)
What makes a person a source of radiation
radioactive implants or ingestion of radioactive materials
what do healthcare professionals in a radiation facility wear
a radiation detection badge
what are three rules for radiation protection
- minimize time of exposure
- maximize distance from source
- use appropriate shielding
What is NIOSH
national institute for occupational safety and health
what is workplace violence
violent acts directed twoards persons at work or on duty
- e.g. assaults
what are 8 work related assaults in healthcare
- handguns and weapons
2, increasing use of hospitals by criminal justice system - mentally ill patients
- presence of drugs and moneys (robbery targets)
- unrestricted movement of the public in clinics and hospitals
- long waits leading to frustration in patients
- increasing presence of gang members, trauma patients, distraught family members
- isolated work with clients
what does an emergency action plan contain, according to OSHA (6)
- preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies
- evacuation policy and related procedures
- emergency escape procedures and route assignments
- contact information for people to contact about duties and responsibilities of plan
- procedures for employees who remain the facility (e.g operate fire extinguishers)
- designated rescue and medical duties for each employee
What two things are not in the OSHA emergency plan but are often included
site of alternative communications center to be used in event of fire or explosion
secure onsite or offsite location to store patient records, accounting records, documents, lists
What are the prevalent agents that cause infection
bacteria
viruses
fungi
what 3 things are bacteria categorized by
categorized by shape
reaction to gram stain
need for oxygen
what is the smallest microorganism
virus
visible w. electronic microscope
describe medications for viruses
when given during incubation period of viruses, the medications can shorten length of illness
what are fungi
plantlike organisms present in air, soil, water
what diseases do fungi cause
athletes foot
ringworm
yeast infections
what are fungal infections treated with
antifungal medications
what is an organisms potential to produce disease caused by (4)
number of organisms in exposure
virulence of organism (ability to cause disease)
relative strength of individual’s immune system
length and intimacy of contact between person and microorganism
what is the chain of infection
series of links through which a pathogen spreads from one person to another
what are the 5 links of the chain of infection
reservoir exit from reservoir vehicle of transmission portal of entry susceptible host
what is the reservoir
person infected with the pathogen
carrier of disease
used as incubator where disease grows and reproduces
what is the exit from reservoir
carrier passes disease by leaving the reservoir
includes
- mucous membranes
- openings of the gastrointestinal system
- open wound
what is vehicle tranmission
the way by which pathogen leaves the reservoir and spreads through the environment
includes direct contact or indirect contact
what is the portal of entry
route by which pathogen enters a potential host
e.g respiratory system, gastrointestinal system
what is the susceptible host
person to whom the pathogen is eventually transported to
- may become reservoir host if conditions allow for reproduction of pathogen
what is a mode of transmission
vehicle that spreads the pathogen
what is direct tranmission
contact btwn reservoir host and susceptible host
what is indirect tranmission
contact with a vehicle known as a vector
what do vectors include
contaminated food or water
disease carrying insect
inatimate objects
improperly disinfected medical instruments
what 3 groups make up reservoir hosts
humans
animals
insects
what are the 3 types of human hosts
- people with infectious disease
- those who are carriers
- incubate disease without symptoms
what are some animal sources
dogs cats birds cattle rodents animals
what insects are vectors
ticks and mosquito
feed on blood of infected reservoir and bite susceptible host
why are there more disease producing micro-organisms in healthcare settings
many ppl suffering from diseases by microorgqanisms come to the healthcare facilities for treatment
what are noscomial infections
health care associated infections
what are the two ways diseases are transmitted
air
contact with blood or other bodily fluids (bloodborne)
describe an airborne disease
spreads from person to person through droplets in the air
- pathogen is released into air when infected persons sneezes or coughs
- other person inhales or touches surface with droplets
describe a blood borne diseases
spread from person to person when infected persons blood or body fluids come into contact with mucous membranes or bloodstream of an uninfected person
how are healthcare professionals exposed to blood borne diseases (3)
needlesticks or skin punctures
mucous membranes
breaks in the skin
what 3 blood borne diseaes pose a great risk to healthcare professionals
HIV
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
what is HIV
virus that slows down immune system
will cause AIDS
get infection and die
what is hepatitis
causes inflammation of liver
primarily due to virus
B = sexual contact
C = sharing of needles
what does prevention of blood borne disase by OSHA require (4)
- description of blood-borne disease, transmission, and symptoms
- kinds of protective equipment and their locations
- information about risks of contracting hepatitis B and HBV vaccine
- facility’s exposure control plan and post-exposure procedures
how many carriers for diseases to healthcare workers treat
5 unknown carriers
what are standard precautions
set of procedures recognized by the CDC to reduce the transmission of microorganisms in a health care setting
what are 11 standard precautions
- wash hands properly
- use alcohol based rub to decontaminate hands
- wear clean non-sterile examination gloves when in contact with fluids
- change gloves between procedures
- wear PPE
- do not sterilize and re-use single items, dispose of them properly
- take precautions with needles and sharp instruments
- do not recap used needles
- dispose of syringes, needles ,adn sharps in puncture-resistant containers
- use barrier devices when performing rescue breathing
- do not eat or drink in a clinical area
what is medical asepsis or clean technique
measures taken to control and reduce the number of pathogens present in an area or on an object
what does medical asepsis NOT guarantee
that an object is free from all microorganisms
when should hands be washed (7)
- before and after patient contact
- after contact with blood or body fluids
- after contact with contaminated material
- after handling specimens
- after coughing, sneezing
- after using restroom
- before and after going to lunch, taking breaks, and leaving
what are the three main levels of infection control (From smallest to biggest)
cleaning or sanitization
disinfection
sterilization
what is cleaning or sanitization
use of soap and detergent to clean items and surfaces
what does santiization reduce
number of microorganisms on a surface
how does one do sanitization
scrub item with warm soapy water to remove organic matter and other residue
done before sterilization and disinfection
what does disinfection involve
use of disinfectant agent to destroy pathogens
- respiratory therapy
- anesthesia equipment
what does disinfection do
not destroy all microorganisms and bacterial spores
what are antiseptics
disinfect wounds or cuts
are bacteriostatic
- inhibit growth of microorganisms but does not kill them
what is sterilizaiton
all microorganisms including spores are destroyed
- are bactericidal or germicidal
in what four conditions are articles sterilized
- steam under pressure in autoclave
- specific gases (ethylene oxide)
- dry heat ovens
- immersion in approved chemical sterilization agent
What is PPE
gloves
masks
gowns
eye protection
what 5 situations NEED gloves
drawing blood specimens disposing biohazardous waste touching contaminated surfaces handling contaminated equipment giving injections
who sets policies for disposing of hazardous materials
federal regulations from
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
OSHA
what are small generators
medical offices that produce less than 50 pounds of waste per month
what are large generators
medical offices that produce more than 50 pounds of waste per month
- need certification of registration from EPA
- keep records of quantity of waste and disposal procedures
name three disposal containers
regular waste
sharps waste
biohazard waste
what goes in a regular waste container
paper
plastic
disposable tray wrappers
packaging material
where in nonhazardous liquids discared
sink or washbin
what is a sharps waste container used for
sharp objects that may puncture or injure someone - needles - microscopic slides - used ampules - razors are puncture resistant
what is a biohazard waste container? what goes in them
used for waste contaminated with blood or body fluids
- soiled dressings and bandages
- soiled examination gloves
- soiled examination table paper
- cotton balls and applications used on body
how should bags in a waste container be handled
when it is 2/3 full, it should be removed from the waste container
the top edges should be brought together and secured by tying it with a twist tie
bag placed in secure and designated area for pick up
who picks up waste containers
infectious waste service
what are common biohazards (4)
viruses
bacteria
fungi
toxins
what happens if you think a patient is exposed to a biohazard
complete incident report or exposure report
- describe how exposure occured
what criterion must be met for exposures to a bio hazard to be reported (6)
- exposure was work related and required medical treatment BEYOND first aid
- employee lost consciousness or had to be medically removed
- employee lost days at work or transferred
- accident involved sharp needle or object contaminated
- exposure involved TB and resulted in positive skin test for TB or diagnosis
- negative blood test for contagious disease changed to a pos. test after exposure
what are the 8 steps of washing hands and disposing of gloves
- choose appropriate size gloves
- remove gloves by grasping glove of nondominant hand at the palm and pull glove away
- slide hand out of glove, roll glove into pa;m of gloved dominant hand
- holding soiled gloves in palm of gloved hand, slip ungloved fingers under cuff of gloved hand
- stretch glove of dominant hand up and away, turn it inside out with first glove balled up inside
- both gloves are removed
- discard both gloves as one unit into biohazard waste receptacle
- wash hands
how do you wash hands for medical asepsis
- remove rings and wristwatch
- stand close to sink, do not touch it
- turn on faucet to warm water
- wet hands and wrists underwater and apply liquid soap, lather at least 10 times
- scrub palm of one hand with finger tips of other and vice versa
- rinse hands and wrists, hold hands lower than elbow
- use orangewood manicure stick to clean under nails
- reapply liquid soap and rewash hands and wrists
- rinse hands thoroughly again
- gently dry with paper towel
- use paper towel to turn off faucets and discard towel
how is aids spread
direct contact with infectious body fluids or contaminiated sharps
what is chicken pox and how is it spread
varicella
direct contact or driplets
how is cholera spread
ingestion of contaminiated food or water
how is diphtheria spread
airborne dirplet, infected carreir
how is hepatitis B sread
direct contact with infectious body fluid
how is influenza spread
airborne drople
tinfected carrier
direct contact with contaminated artciles
what is measles, how is it spread
rubeola
airborne droplet or infected carrier
how is meinigitis spread
airborne doplet
how is mononucleosis spread
airborne droplet or infected saliva
how is mumps spread
airborne droplet, infected carrier, direct contact with materiasl contaminating infectious salivia
how is pneumonia sprad
airborne droplet or driect contact w infected mucous
how is rabies spread
direct contact with saliva of infeced animal
what is rubella, how is it sread
german measles
airborne droplet orinfected carreir
how is tetanus spread
direct contact w spores or contaminated animal feces
how is tuebrculosis sprad
airborne droplet or infected carrier
