Chapter 7 Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of standard precautions?
To reduce the opportunity for harmful microbes to flourish.
Sanitation and antisepsis (microbial control) in the office are often referred to as standard precautions
What organism is a common contaminant in cosmetics, swimming pools, and hot tubs?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
It is a gram-positive bacteria often associated with contact lens overwear that can cause permanent visual impairment within 48 hours
What is the best definition of sterilization?
The destruction of all microorganisms.
Sterilization is the killing of all living microorganisms, often through moist heat (autoclave), dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, and recently plasma sterilization
What should a tech do if they accidentally touch the sterile functional surface of a disposable instrument?
Dispose of it no matter the cost.
The cost of the item or of resterilization is less than the damage that can result from contamination
How should techs deal with open cuts on their hands?
Wear gloves to protect both patients and themselves.
Techs with open cuts, lesions, dermatitis should avoid direct patient care activities or handling contaminated equipment
Who is most at risk for developing an ocular infection from the protozoan Acanthamoeba?
Those who use homemade salt solutions to clean their contact lenses.
The Acanthamoeba infection can cause extreme pain in the Cornea, so CL wearers are counseled to use sterile solutions
What microbe is most likely to cause recent fever blisters?
Herpes simplex virus.
HSV can cause fever blisters on the lips and mouth, but is also responsible for most of the lesions of the Cornea and eyelids. Once infected people carry herpesviruses for life but may never carry a clinical disease
In an infection caused by MRSA, what is Staphylococcus Aureus resistant to?
Methicillin.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a gram positive bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. It is common in clinic and hospital settings, so it should be taken notice when a patient works in those environments
What is the best option for disinfecting a tonometer tip?
A germicide.
Complex instruments and items made of plastic cannot stand dry heat, so soaking in a chemical solution or swabbing contact portions of the instrument is required
What bacterium is the most likely cause of blepharitis?
Staphylococcus Aureus.
The gram-positive bacteria is a frequent cause of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and infectious keratitis/epithelial ulceration
