Handwashing and infection control Flashcards
1
Q
- Describe the implications of ‘resident’ and ‘transient’ flora / organisms of the skin for
patient care
A
Resident flora • deeper skin layers • difficult removal even by washing • rarely cause HCAI • potential to infect sites in invasive procedures open wounds etc • reduced with ANTIMICROBIAL solution • eg. staphylococcus epidermidis
Transient flora • superficial skin layers • Easily transmitted • Acquired by HCWs during direct patient contact and contaminated environment surfaces • Responsible for HCAI transmission • Easy removal by effective hand washing • E.g Gram negative bacilli , yeast , S. Aureus
2
Q
Describe when hand washing should be performed in clinical practice
A
SAP
- Before direct contact with patients
- After direct contact with patient’s surrounding
- Before doing a clean or aseptic procedure
- After bodily fluids handling e.g urinary catheter emptying
- After direct contact with patients
- Before donning of gloves
- After removal of gloves
3
Q
Explain when to use soap and water in clinical practice
A
• Before aseptic procedures • Before sterile gloving for invasive or sterile procedures • After handling bodily fluids • Hands became heavily soiled • After multiple hand rub usage • After removing gloves • End of duty • After toilet use • After handling patients with vomiting and diarrhea
4
Q
Explain when to use alcohol rub in clinical practice
A
Can be used on visibly clean hand e.g before taking BP , Pulse
or examining patients
• After touching patient’s surrounding – non soiled patient’s
zone
• It is not effective on Clostridium difficile bacterium
(diarrhoea causing bacteria) – hand washing is needed.
5
Q
List the most frequently missed areas of the hands during hand hygiene
A
SAP
tips of fingers thumbs nail beds crevices of fingers sides of the fingers
6
Q
Describe how to care for your hands in order to reduce risk of transmission of infection
A
- short finger nails
- wet hands before washing
- warm temperature
- dont use too much soap
- rinse residual soap thoroughly
- pat hands with clean towel to dry
- use moisturizers
- check for dermatitis
7
Q
Infection Control Measures before
examining patient
A
- hand hygience
- PPE
- clean equipment
- EBP, updated practice
