infection control

Question 1

when was the health act introduced

Answer 1

2006

Question 2

rules of the health act 2006

Answer 2

Infection control is every health care worker’s responsibility

No longer just the responsibility of the infection control team

Prosecution possible under H&S law

Question 3

key components of infection prevention control at sheffield teaching hospitals

Answer 3

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

Question 4

5 infection control policies

Answer 4

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

Question 5

what is the most effective method of preventing cross infection

Answer 5

hand hygiene

Question 6

2 ways for hand hygiene

Answer 6

hand washing or alcohol gel

Question 7

when to wash hands

Answer 7

• 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 8

when to use alcohol gel

Answer 8

Following hand washing, prior to a ward based invasive procedure

Following hand washing, when caring for a patient with barrier precautions

Question 9

who must wear personal protective equipment

Answer 9

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

Question 10

what are endogenous infections

Answer 10

infection of a patient by their own flora

Question 11

when are endogenous infections important

Answer 11

in hospitalised patients, especially those with invasive devices or surgical patients

Question 12

how to prevent endogenous HCAI (healthcare associated infections)

Answer 12

• good nutrition and hydration
• antisepsis/skin prep where indicated
• control underlying disease

Question 13

how to control underlying disease

Answer 13

• drain pus
• remove lines and catheters as soon as clinically possible
• reduce antibiotic pressure as much as clinically possible eg short courses, narrow spectrum

Question 14

whose responsibility is disposal of sharps

Answer 14

the person using the equipment

Question 15

rules for sharps bin

Answer 15

• must be correctly assembled
• never re sheath or bend needles
• never overfill a sharps bin
• be aware of the needle stick injury policy