infection control

Question 1

describe the health act 2006

Answer 1

1. Infection control is every health care worker’s responsibility
2. No longer just the responsibility of the infection control team
   3.Prosecution possible under H&S law

Question 2

what are the key components of infection prevention and control at STH?

Answer 2

Infection prevention and control team
Ward teams
Microbiology/ virology laboratories
Trust management
Estates
Domestic services
Pharmacy

Question 3

What are the infection control policies?

Answer 3

MRSA
Tuberculosis
Medical equipment management manual
Single use items
Outbreak control plan

Question 4

what is the single most effective method of preventing cross infection?

Answer 4

hand hygiene

Question 5

what does hand hygiene include?

Answer 5

hand washing
alcohol gel

Question 6

when do you wash your hands?

Answer 6

Before and after handling patients/ clients
After handling any item that is soiled
After using the toilet
Before and after an aseptic procedure
After removing protective clothing including gloves

Question 7

when do you use alcohol gel?

Answer 7

Following hand washing, prior to a ward based invasive procedure
Following hand washing, when caring for a patient with barrier precautions

Question 8

when should personal protective equipment be worn?

Answer 8

Protective equipment must be worn by all stuff, whatever their role or grade, when there is a risk of contamination to the person or their clothing
E.g. gloves, aprons etc.

Question 9

what are endogenous infections?

Answer 9

Infection of a patient by their own flora

Question 10

when are endogenous infections more prevalent ?

Answer 10

Important in hospitalized patients, especially those with invasive devices or surgical patients

Question 11

how can you prevent endogenous HCAI?

Answer 11

Good nutrition and hydration
Antisepsis/ skin prep where indicated
Control underlying disease

Question 12

how can you prevent endogenous HCAI?- how would you control the underlying disease?

Answer 12

Drain pus
Remove lines and catheters as soon as clinically possible
Reduce antibiotic pressure as much as clinically possible e.g. short courses, narrow spectrum

Question 13

who’s responsibility Is it to dispose sharps?

Answer 13

Disposal is the responsibility of the person using the equipment

Question 14

some rules about sharp bins

Answer 14

Sharps bins must be correctly assembled
Never re-sheath or bend needles
Never overfill a sharps bin
Be aware of the needle stick injury policy