Infection Control: Procedural Guideline: Caring for a patient on isolation precautions Flashcards
1
Q
Who can care for an isolated patient be delegated to?
A
- An unregulated care provider (UCP) when procedures are within their competence
2
Q
What equipment is needed?
A
- Barrier protection determined by type of isolation
- Supplies for procedures performed in the room
3
Q
What should be assessed before entering the isolation room?
A
- Isolation indications (lab results, exposure history)
- Agency policies and required precautions for that isolation category
- Care measures to be performed in the room
4
Q
What should be reviewed about the patient?
A
- The patient’s emotional state
- The patient’s adjustment to isolation
5
Q
What should be done before entering?
A
- Perform hand hygiene
- Prepare all equipment to be taken into the room
6
Q
How should you prepare to enter the isolation room?
A
- Perform hand hygiene
- Apply gown covering neck to knees, secure at neck/waist
- Apply surgical mask or respirator as needed
- Apply eye protection as needed
- Apply disposable non-sterile gloves, pull over gown sleeves
7
Q
What should be done when entering the isolation room?
A
- Arrange supplies and equipment
- Place equipment for reuse on clean paper towel
8
Q
What should be explained to the patient and family?
A
- Purpose of isolation
- Necessary precautions
- Offer opportunity to ask questions
- Assess for emotional issues due to isolation
9
Q
How should vital signs be assessed for a patient with a resistant organism?
A
- Equipment remains in room
- Avoid contact of stethoscope/BP cuff with infectious material
- Thoroughly clean stethoscope after leaving room
- Use individual or disposable thermometers
10
Q
How should medications be administered?
A
- Give oral medication in wrapper or cup
- Dispose of wrapper or cup in plastic-lined receptacle
- Administer injection
- Discard syringe and uncapped needle or sheathed needle into special container
- If gloves not worn and hands contact contaminated items/body fluids, wash hands immediately
11
Q
What steps should be taken for hygiene measures?
A
- Prevent gown from becoming wet
- Remove linen from bed, avoid contact with gown. Place linen in impervious bag
- Change gloves and wash hands if excessively soiled and further care needed
12
Q
How should specimens be collected?
A
- Place specimen containers on clean paper towel in bathroom
- Follow procedure for collecting body fluid specimen
- Transfer specimen to container without soiling outside. Place in plastic bag, label per policy
13
Q
How should linen and garbage bags be disposed of?
A
- Use sturdy, moisture-resistant single bags for soiled articles
- Tie bags securely at the top in a knot
14
Q
What is the final step?
A
- Resupply room as needed
