PPE Flashcards
What is the main goal of PPE use in healthcare settings?
Improve personnel safety in the healthcare environment through appropriate use of PPE.
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equipment
What is the definition of PPE according to OSHA?
“specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials”
What is one of the program objectives related to PPE in healthcare settings?
Provide information on the selection and use of PPE
What is another program objective related to PPE in healthcare settings?
Practice how to safely don and remove PPE
Fill in the blank: PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against _______.
infectious materials
True or False: PPE is only used in healthcare settings.
False
What agency issues workplace health and safety regulations regarding PPE?
OSHA
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What are two responsibilities of employers regarding PPE?
- Provide appropriate PPE for employees & students
- Ensure proper disposal or cleaning, laundering, repair, and storage of reusable PPE
What does OSHA specify regarding PPE?
Circumstances for which PPE is indicated
What organization recommends when, what, and how to use PPE?
CDC
CDC stands for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What type of PPE is used to protect hands in healthcare settings?
Gloves
What is the purpose of gowns/aprons in healthcare settings?
Protect skin and/or clothing
What type of masks are specifically mentioned for use in healthcare settings?
N-95 masks
N-95 masks are designed to achieve a close facial fit and provide a high level of filtration.
What type of PPE protects the mouth and nose?
Masks and respirators
What is the primary function of respirators in healthcare?
Protect respiratory tract from airborne infectious agents
What type of PPE is used to protect the eyes?
Goggles
What does a face shield protect?
Face, mouth, nose, and eyes
True or False: Employers are not required to clean reusable PPE after use.
False
What is a key factor influencing PPE selection?
Type of exposure anticipated
This includes considerations like splash/spray versus touch.
What are the categories of isolation precautions?
- Contact
- Airborne
These categories help determine the necessary PPE.
What aspects of PPE must be considered for its selection?
- Durability
- Appropriateness for the task
- Fit
These factors ensure that the PPE is suitable for the intended use.
What is one purpose of gloves in healthcare settings?
- Patient care
- Environmental services
- Other
Gloves serve multiple roles in maintaining hygiene and safety.
What are the common materials used for gloves?
- Vinyl
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Other
Different materials may offer varying levels of protection and comfort.
Gloves can be categorized as sterile or _______.
nonsterile
The choice between sterile and nonsterile gloves depends on the procedure being performed.
How many pairs of gloves can be used during procedures?
- One
- Two
The number of glove pairs used may depend on the type of procedure and level of contamination risk.
Are gloves typically single use or _______?
reusable
Most gloves are designed for single use to prevent cross-contamination.
What is the first principle of glove use?
Work from ‘clean to dirty’
This principle emphasizes maintaining cleanliness while performing tasks.
What should be limited to prevent contamination?
Opportunities for ‘touch contamination’
This involves minimizing contact that could transfer contaminants.
What should you avoid doing with contaminated gloves?
Touching your face or adjusting PPE
This is critical for preventing the spread of pathogens.
What is advised regarding touching environmental surfaces?
Don’t touch environmental surfaces except as necessary during patient care
This helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
What do masks protect?
Nose and mouth
Masks should fully cover the nose and mouth and prevent fluid penetration.
What is a key requirement for goggles?
Fit snuggly over and around eyes
Personal glasses are not a substitute for goggles.
What feature of goggles improves clarity?
Antifog feature
What do face shields protect?
Face, nose, mouth, and eyes
Face shields should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face.
What is the purpose of N-95 respirators?
Protect from inhalation of infectious aerosols (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis)
N-95 respirators are crucial in healthcare environments to prevent respiratory infections.
What are the types of PPE for respiratory protection?
- Particulate respirators
- Half- or full-face elastomeric respirators
- Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR)
These types of PPE are designed to filter out harmful particles from the air.
What are the elements of a Respiratory Protection Program?
- Medical evaluation
- Fit testing
- Training
- Fit checking before use
A comprehensive program ensures the effective use of respiratory protection in healthcare settings.
True or False: Fit testing is an essential component of a Respiratory Protection Program.
True
Fit testing ensures that the respirator fits properly to the user’s face.
Fill in the blank: The purpose of respiratory protection is to protect from inhalation of _______.
[infectious aerosols]
Infectious aerosols can include pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)?
A type of respirator that uses a battery-powered blower to force ambient air through a filter
PAPRs are especially useful in environments where higher levels of respiratory protection are needed.
When should PPE be donned?
Before contact with the patient, generally before entering the room
What should be done to avoid spreading contamination while using PPE?
Use carefully
Where should PPE be removed and discarded?
Either at the doorway or immediately outside the patient room; remove respirator outside room
What should be done immediately after removing PPE?
Immediately perform hand hygiene
What is the first item in the sequence for donning PPE?
Gown
What is the second item in the sequence for donning PPE?
Mask or respirator
What is the third item in the sequence for donning PPE?
Goggles or face shield
What is the last item in the sequence for donning PPE?
Gloves
How does the combination of PPE affect the donning sequence?
It will affect the sequence - be practical
What is the first step in donning a gown?
Select appropriate type and size
Where is the opening of a gown located?
In the back
How should a gown be secured?
At neck and waist
What should you do if the gown is too small?
Use two gowns
Gown #1 ties in front and Gown #2 ties in back.
What is the first step in donning a mask?
Place over nose, mouth and chin
What should be fitted over the nose when donning a mask?
Flexible nose piece
How should the mask be secured on the head?
With ties or elastic
What is important to do after securing the mask?
Adjust to fit
