Module 10 - Infection Control

Question 1

Six links in the chain of infection

Answer 1

Infectious agent -> reservoir -> portal of exit -> mode of transmission -> portal of entry -> susceptible host -> infectious agent

In order for a the transmission of a pathogen to occur, the links must be connected

Question 2

Vector vs Fomite

Answer 2

Vector is a carrier of disease causing agent, fomite is an inanimate object capable of carrying infectious agents

Question 3

Asepsis definition; techniques

Answer 3

Condition of being free from infection or infectious material;

clean the office daily, move sick and contagious patients to an exam room or separate waiting area away from well-check patients upon arrival, do not eat or drink in patient areas, good hand hygiene

Question 4

Medical vs surgical asepsis

Answer 4

Medical aspesis is general clean technique, reducing the number of micro-organisms and prohibiting growth; handwashing, gloves, gowns and masks, clean workspace, etc

Surgical asepsis has a specific goal of eliminating micro-organisms from entering the body, sterile gloves, gowns, and drapes, etc

Question 5

Hand hygiene guidelines and recommendations

Answer 5

No excess jewelry, no artificial nails, use alcohol-based sanitizer if visible contamination

Before and after patient contact
after contact with contaminated surfaces
after contact with blood or body fluids
before performing an aseptic procedure
before and after contact with supplies or equipment near patients
after contact with a contaminated body site prior to contact with a clean body site
after glove removal

at least 20 seconds, pay attention to all surfaces; if no soap use alcohol based sanitizer with minimum of 60% alcohol, continue rubbing until solution is dried (must use soap if visibly dirty)

Question 6

Sanitization

Answer 6

First step in assuring a piece of medical equipment is as clean as possible, reduces number of microbes, helpful if visible debris

Gloves must be warn, ultrasonic sanitization can be used if delicate instruments

Question 7

Disinfection

Answer 7

Destroying most of the pathogens on a surface, greatly reducing spread of infection.

Glutaraldehyde is a common disinfectant that requires a long submersion time in order to be fully effective, 1:10 bleach solution is also effective.

Chemical disinfectants cannot be used on patients

Question 8

Sterilization

Answer 8

Destroying all pathogens and spores, necessary for surgical asepsis.

Use of an autoclave (dry heat, gas, chemicals, UV, ionizing radiation, chemicals, steam).

Items require specific handling after sterilization so as to not contaminate.

Question 9

Endoscope disinfection/sterilization

Answer 9

Complex process, usually:

Pre-cleaning (wiping and soaking)
Leak testing (using air, pressure, water)
Manual cleaning (using recommending cleaning solution)
Rinsing with clean water
High-level disinfection (further immersion/flushing)
Rinsing with clean water again, then alcohol
Drying with forced air

Question 10

Proper use of sharps container vs biohazard bag

Answer 10

Sharps: Needles are not recapped. Any item with sharp edges or blades gets placed in sharps container

Biohazard bag: Any items with no sharp edges or needles that came into contact with blood or body fluids. Lid must be present and replaced after each use. Bags must be impermeable.

Question 11

Proper use of PPE

Answer 11

Whenever in contact with blood or body fluids.

Question 12

SDS Sheets

Answer 12

OSHA mandated safety data sheets including information on each chemical

Identification:
Hazard identification:
Composition/ingredients:
First-aid measures:
Fire-fighting measures:
Accidental release measures:
Handling and storage:
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Physical and chemical properties:
Stability and reactivity:
Toxicological information:
Other information: