Infection Control in the Dialysis Setting Flashcards
What makes dialysis patients more susceptible to HAIs?
Immunosuppressed and more vulnerable to infection which leads to the 2nd most common death in this population.
Why are dialysis patients at increased risk for acquiring HAI at the facility?
The dialysis procedure itself requires prolonged access to the patients blood, especially those involving CVC vascular accesses, making them more at risk.
What is the most common transmission route for HAIs?
Hand Hygeine
What is the most common infectious complication in hemodialysis patients?
Vascular Access Infection
What germ causes the most common infections in hemodialysis patients?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)- must pay attention to infection control! Proper hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting procedures to prevent spread of infection (viable on surface for days)
Why is wearing gloves so important?
Reduces the risk of hand contamination and prevents the transfer of organisms already on hands
Why do you need to perform hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves?
Gloves are not impervious and have microscopic pores
What is the difference between OSHA and CMS infection control requirements?
OSHA: requires employers to provide workers with a safe workplace
CMS: concerned with patient care and patient safety
What are V-tags and why are they important?
They state specific regulations to be met within a condition such as infection control, providing interpretive guidance for each regulation and citing deficiencies by tag #.
Is a cleaned dialysis machine considered a “clean” area?
No
When should sharps containers be removed from the treatment floor?
When they are 3/4 full.
State the 3 strategies recommended by KDOQI to decrease the risk of infection when working with a CVC.
Using facemasks when lumens or exit site is exposed
wearing clean gloves and avoid touching exposed surfaces
minimizing catheter for lumen or exit sites from being exposed
Who can use clean sinks for hand washing?
Teammates and patients
What is the correct procedure in regards to your hands when you have casual contact with a patient?
No gloves, but hand hygiene required.
How can you tell when an area or sink is clean or dirty in your facility?
It is clearly labeled with a ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ sign
