Microorganisms And Infection Control

Question 1

Name the 4 groups of microorganisms that commonly cause eye disease.

Answer 1

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, Protozoa

Question 2

List the 5 principal means of transmitting disease-causing organisms from a reservoir to a host.

Answer 2

Airborne droplets and particles, direct contact with an infected person, indirect contact with a contaminated person or object, common vehicles vector-borne spread.

Question 3

What is the practical purpose of microbial control (aseptic technique) in the medical office?

Answer 3

To prevent the spread of infectious microbes to or from patients and medical office personnel.

Question 4

State at least 3 of the 6 basic infection control activities known as standard precautions.

Answer 4

1. Wash hands between contacts with patients
2. Wear disposable gloves to avoid contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects
3. Use special receptacles (“sharps containers”) for disposable of contaminated needles, blades and other sharp objects.
4. Properly dispose of, disinfect, or sterilize contaminated objects between uses with patients
5. Wear a fluid-impermeable gown and mask when there is potential for splash of bloody or contaminated body fluids
6. Dispose of eye patches, gauze, and the like that are saturated with blood (blood that can be wrung or squeezed out in a special red impermeable isolation bag.

Question 5

Describe the special precautions to be taken to be taken to prevent infection when (1) the assistant has a herpes simplex lesion (‘fever blister”) and (2) the patient has a herpes simple lesion.

Answer 5

(1) assistants with a fever blister should be excused from hands-on contact with patients until recovery
(2) if the patient has a fever blister, assistants should avoid touching the patient near the mouth with fingers or instruments. Assistants should wash their hands after completing any tests and be certain instruments used with the patient are properly disinfected or sterilized.

Question 6

Describe the basic hand-washing technique.

Answer 6

(1) turn not the faucets and adjust the water to the warmest comfortable temperature.
(2) wet your hands, wrists, and about 4 inches of forearms .
(3)apply antiseptic soap from a dispenser, and wash your hands with circular strokes for at least 15 seconds .
(4) Rinse your hands and forearms
(5) Hold dry paper towels to close the faucets, discarding the paper towels when finished.
(6) Dry your hands with clean paper towels.

Question 7

Distinguish between disinfection and sterilization

Answer 7

Disinfection inactivates or eliminates most disease-causing microorganisms.

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms

Question 8

Name the 2 principal methods of sterilization

Answer 8

Moist heat, ethylene oxide gas

Question 9

Describe the method of handling sterile items to maintain sterility.

Answer 9

Handle the sterile item only by a nonfunctional part (a part that does not come in contact with the patient or other sterile materials.)

Question 10

List at least 2 aseptic precautions in the use of multi-dose containers of sterile eye drops.

Answer 10

Avoid finger contact with the lip, tip, or inner lid of the bottle. Never permit the tip of the dropper bottle to touch the patient’s eyelashes, lid, or eye. Check the liquid in the bottle for cloudiness or particulate matter and discard if present. Discard single-dose containers after one use.

Question 11

Describe the procedure for the handling and disposing of contaminated sharp objects such as scalpel blades, syringe needles, and broken glass.

Answer 11

Contaminated sharp objects are placed in a rigid puncture-proof biohazard container (a “sharps container.”) When the container is full, it is disposed of according to standard procedures.