Infection Control & Standard Precautions

Question 1

Define OSHA

Answer 1

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

assures safe and healthful conditions for working;
OSH act allows OSHA to issue work place health and safety regulations

Question 2

What types of hazards do workers face? (13)

Answer 2

• bloodborne pathogens
• biological hazards
• potential chemical exposures
• drug exposures
• waste
• anesthetic gas exposures
• respiratory hazards
• ergonomic hazards (via lifting & repetitive tasks)
• laser hazards
• workplace violence
• hazards associated w/ labs
• radioactive material
• x-ray hazards

Question 3

What are some potential chemical exposures? (4)

Answer 3

1) Formaldehyde (used to preserve specimens for pathology)
2) Ethylene oxide (surface disinfectant)
3) Glutaraldehyde (surgical disinfectant for instruments)
4) Peracetic acid (used for sterilization)

Question 4

Healthcare Safety Hazards

Answer 4

• biological hazards
• physical hazards
• sharp hazard
• chemical hazard
• electrical hazards
• fire or explosive hazards

Question 5

What’s the procedure post-exposure to blood?

Answer 5

1. wash area w/ water or antiseptic
2. report to employer
3. document the injury
4. medical evaluation & follow-up (must be provided by employer)

Question 6

Define Latex Allergy

Answer 6

a medical term used for a range of allergic reactions to the proteins present in latex; occur when in contact w/ latex-containing products

Question 7

Define latex sensitivity

Answer 7

Less severe reaction to latex; does not involve immune system

eg.irritant contact dermatitis

Furthermore, latex dermatitis increases probability of infections

Question 8

_________ increases probability of infections.

Answer 8

Latex dermatitis increases probability of infections

Question 9

What are 3 types of latex reactions?

Answer 9

1. Irritant Contact Dermatitis (red, dry, itchy areas)
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (red rash, small blisters)
3. Hypersensitivity (running nose, hives, nausea, low bp, dizziness, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis/shock)

Question 10

Powder-free gloves vs. powdered

Answer 10

power-free => low allergen
powdered => aerosolize latex proteins

Question 11

Common predisposing conditions to latex reactions:

Answer 11

• spina bifida
• urogenital abnormalities
• allergens to avocados, kiwis, nuts, or bananas

Question 12

What is infection control?

Answer 12

addresses factors related to spread of infection w/ in health-care setting; includes prevention
eg. hand hygiene, disinfection, vaccination

Question 13

Chain of infection

Answer 13

Infectious agent -> reservoirs -> portal of exit -> method of transmission -> portal of entry -> susceptible host -> infectious agent

Question 14

What are the modes of transmission?

Answer 14

direct & indirect

Question 15

Examples of direct transmission

Answer 15

• skin-to-skin contact
• kissing
• sexual intercourse
• contact w/ soil or vegetation harboring infectious organisms
• Droplet Spread (sneezing, coughing, talking)

Question 16

Define droplet spread mode of transmission

Answer 16

to spray w/ relatively large, short-range aerosols
eg. meningococcal infection

Question 17

What mode of transmission do Mononucleosis (“kissing disease”) and gonorrhea use?

Answer 17

Direct transmission

Question 18

Why is droplet spread classified as direct transmission (not indirect)?

Answer 18

bc transmission is by direct spray over a few feet before droplets fall to the ground