Safety & Infection Control

Question 1

Varicella Zoster

Answer 1

• is highly contagious
• The virus can be spread from person to person by direct contact, inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions of acute varicella or zoster, and possibly through infected respiratory secretions that also may be aerosolized
• A person with varicella is considered contagious beginning one to two days before rash onset until all the chickenpox lesions have crusted
• Transmission-based precautions: Airborne and contact precautions
• Precautions may be discontinued once all of the lesions have dried and crusted
• Airborne and contact precautions require the following PPE:
  gloves, gown, and N95 mask/respirator.
• The room should have negative airflow,
• Door must remain closed

Question 2

Steps in Tracheostomy care

Answer 2

• Open suction of a tracheostomy tube requires an aseptic technique.
• After setting up a sterile field and applying sterile gloves, the nurse would designate one hand as contaminated and ensure the other remains sterile.
• The contaminated hand should be used to connect/disconnect the catheter tubing, use the resuscitation bag, and operate the suction control. If preoxygenation is indicated, the nurse would use the contaminated hand to administer it.

Question 3

Diptheria: Health Teaching

Answer 3

1. The organism that causes this condition is Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
2. Vaccination is available starting at two months of age
3. Transmission of the cutaneous diphtheria is via direct contact with the infected person

Diphtheria can manifest in cutaneous or pharyngeal forms:
- Large droplets can spread pharyngeal diphtheria, so one must use droplet precautions.
- Cutaneous diphtheria is transmitted via direct contact with the skin sores of an infected person, carriers, or contaminated articles.

Question 4

Diptheria

Answer 4

✓ Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria.

✓ It is spread through respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions of infected individuals.

✓ The bacterium produces a toxin that can cause a thick, gray coating in the throat and nose, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. The toxin can also damage the heart, nervous system, and other organs.

✓ Vaccination against diphtheria is recommended for all children, and booster shots are recommended every ten years for adults.

✓ Treatment for diphtheria typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and antitoxin to neutralize the toxin.

✓ Supportive care, such as respiratory support and hydration, may also be necessary.

Question 5

Central line

Answer 5

• The central line should be anchored with a securement device and covers the site with a sterile bio-occlusive dressing.
• Central line dressings should be changed at least every 7 days or immediately if dressing integrity is disrupted (e.g., lifted/detached on any border edge or within transparent portion of dressing, visibly soiled, presence of moisture, drainage, or blood).