Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Workforce Safety and Wellness Flashcards
(100 cards)
Define ‘personal protective equipment’ and its purpose in healthcare.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes specialized clothing or equipment designed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents or hazardous substances.
List four types of PPE used in healthcare settings.
Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
How does wearing gloves protect both providers and patients?
Gloves provide a barrier to prevent direct contact with potentially infectious materials, protecting both the healthcare provider and the patient from cross-contamination.
What are the limitations of surgical masks compared to N95 respirators?
Surgical masks do not provide a tight seal around the face and are less effective against airborne particles compared to N95 respirators.
When should eye protection be used in the workplace?
Eye protection is necessary when there is a risk of splashes or sprays of bodily fluids or hazardous chemicals.
What are the proper steps for donning and doffing PPE?
Donning: Perform hand hygiene, put on the gown, mask, eye protection, and gloves in that order. Doffing: Remove gloves, eye protection, gown, and mask carefully to avoid contamination, and perform hand hygiene immediately after.
How does improper use of PPE increase the risk of contamination?
Improper use, such as reusing single-use items or not removing PPE correctly, increases the risk of contamination and exposure to pathogens.
Why is fit testing essential for N95 respirators?
Fit testing ensures a proper seal around the face, maximizing the respirator’s effectiveness in filtering airborne particles.
Explain the importance of proper storage for PPE.
Proper storage prevents contamination or damage to PPE, maintaining its effectiveness and ensuring availability when needed.
How do disposable and reusable PPE differ?
Disposable PPE is designed for single use and is discarded after exposure. Reusable PPE requires cleaning and disinfection after each use.
Define ‘infection control’ in healthcare.
Infection control encompasses policies and procedures aimed at preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
What is the chain of infection, and why is it important to understand?
A sequence of events that must occur for an infection to spread, including an infectious agent, a reservoir, a mode of transmission, and a susceptible host. Understanding this helps break the chain and prevent infections.
How do standard precautions differ from transmission-based precautions?
Standard precautions apply universally to all patients. Transmission-based precautions are additional measures for specific infectious agents.
Describe the role of hand hygiene in infection control.
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infections.
When should alcohol-based hand rubs be used instead of soap and water?
Use when hands are not visibly soiled and when quick decontamination is needed.
List three examples of diseases that require airborne precautions.
Tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox.
What is the purpose of an isolation room?
To contain infectious agents and prevent their spread to others.
Explain the significance of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in infection control.
OSHA sets and enforces standards to protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure to infections and hazards.
How can healthcare providers minimize the risk of needle-stick injuries?
Use safety-engineered devices, proper disposal methods, and avoid recapping needles.
What is the importance of immunizations for healthcare workers?
Protects healthcare workers from preventable diseases, reducing their risk of illness and potential transmission to patients.
Why is mental health important for healthcare providers?
Ensures healthcare providers can perform effectively and sustain their well-being in demanding environments.
Describe the concept of resilience in the workplace.
The ability to adapt and recover from stress or adversity in the workplace.
What is the role of peer support programs in promoting mental health?
Provide emotional support and a sense of community, helping staff manage stress.
How can regular debriefing sessions benefit healthcare teams?
Help healthcare teams process experiences, reduce stress, and improve communication.