Module 1 Flashcards
What is the importance of infection control?
- Occupational Safety
- Patient Safety
- Infection Prevention
- Legal and Ethical Obligation
- Preventing Outbreaks
- Post-Exposure Management
- Public Health Impact
- Professional Development
- Compliance with Regulations
- Preparedness for Emergencies
What is Bloodborne Pathogens?
Microorganisms that are present in human blood and other bodily fluid
Have the potential to cause infections and disease if transmitted from an infected individual to another person
What is Infection Control?
Set of practices and protocols aimed at preventing and reducing the spread of infections in various settings, particularly in healthcare facilities
Primary objective of infection control is to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the general public from acquiring and transmitting infectious diseases
What is Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM)?
Materials or substances that may contain infectious agents and have the potential to transmit disease to individuals who encounter them
*Not Considered OPIM: sweat, tears, nasal secretions, saliva, urine, feces, and vomit
- Unless they contain blood
What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Specialized clothing, equipment, or accessories that individuals wear or use to protect themselves from potential hazards, risks, and harmful agents in their environment
Designed to provide a physical barrier between the wearer and the hazards they may encounter, helping to minimize the risk of injury, illness, or exposure to harmful substances
What is Universal Precautions?
Set of infection control guidelines and practices that are designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials in healthcare and other settings
Main principles of universal precautions is that all blood and certain body fluids are treated as if they are potentially infectious, regardless of the perceived infection status of the source
What is the overview to Hepatitis B?
Major cause of liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer
How is Hepatitis B transmitted?
Infected blood or sperm
- unprotected sex
- shared needles
- open sores
- infected mothers to her baby
- sharing contaminated items
- poor infection control
Which Hepatitis can spread through food or water? A or B
“A” can spread through food or water
“B” CANNOT
How long can Hepatitis B survive outside of the body?
7 days
If you are infected with hepatitis B in the past, can you get it again?
NO
When are symptoms likely to occur after exposure for Hepatitis B? What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?
On average 90 days after exposure to the virus
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
What is the treatment if any for Hepatitis B?
Acute Hepatitis B
- no medication available
Chronic Hepatitis B
- several medications approved to treat
- Not every person with chronic hepatitis B needs medication
How is Hepatitis B managed?
Medical Evaluation
Antiviral Medication
Regular Monitoring
How is Hepatitis B prevented?
Vaccinations
Safe Sex Practices
Avoiding Sharing Needles
Universal Precautions
If you get Hepatitis C, can you get it again?
Yes
How long can Hepatitis C survive outside the body?
Up to 3 weeks
Can Hepatitis C spread through hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing?
NO, it cannot
When do the symptoms start for Hepatitis C acute or chronic?
On average 2-12 weeks after exposure to the virus
Chronic: are asymptomatic or have chronic fatigue and depression
What are the prevention for Hepatitis C?
There is NO VACCINATIONS
Safe Sex Practices
Avoiding Sharing Needles
Universal Precautions
What does HIV attack?
Attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells)
How is HIV/AIDS transmitted? What are the ways HIV/AIDS cannot by spread?
Transmitted:
- Unprotected sex
- Sharing needles
- Receiving contaminated blood products or organ transplants
- Infected mothers to her baby
CANNOT be spread by:
- Mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects
- hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes
- through the air
What are the stages of HIV/AIDS?
- Acute Infection
- Chronic Infection
- AIDS
What are the key components for infection control?
Preventive Measures
Control Measures
Education and Training
Environmental Hygiene
Waste Management
