Handwashing Flashcards
Infection when exposed to healthcare facilities
Nosocomial infection
Single most important measure to prevent transmission of infection and cornerstone for infection control
Hand hygiene
Process of removing soil, debris, and microbes using soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, and antiseptic or antimicrobial agents
Hand hygiene
Process of mechanically removing soil, debris, and microbes using soap and water
Hand washing
Period of time that a virus can persist on a surface
Several days
Four purposes of hand washing
To reduce number of microorganism on hands
To reduce the risk of transmission to clients
To reduce the risk of cross contamination to clients
To reduce the risk of transmission of infection to oneself
Conditions when hand washing is better than alcohol-based hand rub
When hands are soiled with blood or body fluids
Five moments for hand hygiene
Before touching patient
Before clean or aseptic procedure
After body fluid exposure risk
After touching a patient
After touching the patient’s surroundings
Assessment
Recent diagnostic procedures or treatments that penetrated the skin
Five symptoms of infection
Swelling
Redness
Pain or tenderness with palpation
Palpable heat at site
Presence of exudate
Planning
Determine location of running water and soap
Delegation
Identical for all healthcare providers
Interprofessional practice
Essential skill for all healthcare providers
Preparation
Assess the hands—nails should be kept short and removal of jewelry is recommended
What is considered unsterile
Anything below the waist
Decision to do when you have an open wound
Ask someone to switch
Reason why warm water have to be used when hand washing than hot water
Warm water removes less of the protective oil of the skin then hot water
Five types of faucet control
Hand-operated handles
Knee levers
Foot pedals
Elbow controls
Infrared control
