Infection Control

Question 1

The process of removing debris, decreasing the number of microorganism’s that are present.

Answer 1

Cleaning

Question 2

The passing of bacteria, microorganisms or other harmful substances indirectly from one patient to another through improper or unsterile procedures, equipment, HA’s or earmolds

Answer 2

Cross- Contamination

Question 3

The process of killing most germs by using a disinfectant by either spraying it on the surface or immersing it.

Answer 3

Disinfecting

Question 4

A set of infection control practices used to prevent transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, non- intact skin and mucous membranes

Answer 4

Standard Precautions

Question 5

The process of removing 100% of the microorganism and their spores so that they cannot reproduce.

Answer 5

Sterilizing

Question 6

What are the three main categories of pathogens

Answer 6

Fungi, bacteria, and virus

Question 7

What are the four main modes of transportation for microorganisms

Answer 7

1. Contact- most common way of transmission- Otoscopy, handling a HA with bare hands
2. Airborne- Carried in the way of dust or moisture and lands on a susceptible person
3. Vehicle- refers to diseases transmitted by contaminated water,food or objects
4. Vector borne- where a susceptible host is infected by an animal or insect that is carrying a pathogen. Can enter through broken skin, mouth,ears and nose

Question 8

To prevent the spread of infection, hand washing can remove most pathogens just by using

Answer 8

Hospital grade anti-bacterial soap or antimicrobial no rinse hand sanitizer if used as directed if no sink is accessible in office before and after each patient

Question 9

Standard precautions are designed to reduce the spread of infection and apply to…

Answer 9

Blood, non- intact skin, and all bodily fluid secretions and exertions including crewmen and mucous membranes

Question 10

When should you wash your hands

Answer 10

1. Before and after each patient
2. Before and after handling hearing aids, impressions, earmolds, etc
3. Before and after removing and handling impressions
4. Immediately after the removal of gloves

Question 11

When should gloves be worn?

Answer 11

1. Handling HA’s or earmolds direction from pt
2. When there is visible drainage from ear, blood sores or any type of lesion on head
3. When cleaning and disinfecting instruments that may have been contaminated with cerumen
4. When handling probe tips, otoscope tips or ear inserts
5. Removing or handling ear impressions
6. Performing cerumen management
7. When cleaning up contaminated areas
8. Handling dirty laundry
9. Working with a pt who is known to be immunocompromised

Question 12

When should a disposable mask be worn?

Answer 12

Whenever you are at risk of splash back and splatter of infectious material and airborne contamination. Such as handling HA’s and earmolds especially when modifications are needed with grinding and buffing. Glasses and masks are a must to reduce particles and microorganisms from getting into your eyes or being inhaled.

Question 13

Items that do not encounter infectious substances or blood can be…

Answer 13

Cleaned and then disinfected

Question 14

Non- Critical - These are items that do not directly come in contact with the patient or make contact with skin that is intact. What cleaning procedure should be used

Answer 14

Cleaning followed by a low level disinfectant

Question 15

What are some examples of Non-Critical items

Answer 15

Listening Stethoscope, bone oscillator, headphones, patient response button, insert earphones

Question 16

Semi- Critical- Items that come in contact with cerumen because they can come into contact with blood or bodily fluids. Or items that come in contact with but do not penetrate non-intact skin or mucous membranes. What cleaning procedure should be used?

Answer 16

Single use is preferred/Sterilization or Disposable cleaning followed by High Level Disinfection as a minimum

Question 17

What are examples of Semi Critical items?

Answer 17

Any item that enters the ear canal, Probe tips, otoscope tips, insert Headphones, cerumen removal equipment, and probe tubes

Question 18

Critical - Items that directly enter the vascular system or sterile tissue. What cleaning procedure should be used?

Answer 18

Cleaning followed but sterilization- This category is not applicable in a hearing dispensing practice.

Question 19

What are proper infectious waste disposal protocols?

Answer 19

1. Otoscope tips and insert ear phones can be disposed in regular trash EXCEPT if they have a significant cerumen, blood or ear drainage therefor they should be placed in a separate impermeable bag and labeled with a biohazard symbol- that bag should be then disposed of separately so no one can have casual contact.