Standard Infection Control Flashcards
Q: What are Standard Infection Control Precautions (SICPs), and why are they important?
A: SICPs are measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents from both recognised and unrecognised sources. They ensure the safety of staff, patients, and visitors.
Q: List the ten elements of SICPs.
A:
- Patient placement
- Hand hygiene
- Respiratory and cough hygiene
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safe management of the care environment
- Safe management of care equipment
- Safe management of healthcare linen
- Safe management of blood and body fluids
- Safe disposal of waste (including sharps)
- Occupational safety/managing exposure (including sharps).
Q: When should PPE be used?
A: PPE should be used based on a risk assessment considering the task, equipment, and likelihood of exposure to body fluids.
Q: What are the requirements for PPE use and disposal?
A:
Available wherever care is delivered.
Single-use unless specified.
Changed immediately after each patient/task.
Disposed of appropriately as per local policy.
Q: Why should reusable gowns not be used in operating theatres?
A: Reusable gowns may not maintain sterility and must be appropriately processed between uses, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: What should be done before donning PPE?
A: Decontaminate hands using soap and water or an appropriate hand sanitiser.
Q: How should disposable aprons be used?
A: Disposable aprons should be worn for procedures with likely exposure to blood or body fluids. They should be removed and disposed of after each task or patient contact.
Q: What are the steps for donning sterile gloves?
A:
- Prepare a clean surface and open the outer packet.
- Open the inner packet without touching the sterile gloves.
- Use the cuff to ease the dominant hand into the glove.
- Insert gloved fingers into the cuff of the second glove and pull it on.
Q: What are key considerations for respiratory PPE (e.g., masks)?
A:
Fit testing for FFP3 respirators.
Replace masks after each use or if contaminated.
Remove masks by straps without touching the front and dispose of them in the clinical waste bin.
Q: How should eye protection be used?
A: Eye protection should cover the full peri-orbital region, wrap around the face, and be worn for aerosol-generating procedures or when there’s a risk of contamination.
Q: What is the protocol for removing an apron?
A:
- Break the neck strap without pulling it against the neck.
- Break the waist straps.
- Roll the apron inward while avoiding contact with the contaminated outer surface.
- Dispose of it in the clinical waste bin.
Q: What is the role of hand hygiene in SICPs?
A: Hand hygiene must be performed before and after glove use, after removing any PPE, and at all critical moments during patient care.
Q: Why should double-gloving generally be avoided during routine care?
A: Double-gloving is not necessary for routine clinical care. It is reserved for high-risk procedures, such as surgery or managing high-consequence infectious diseases.
Q: What types of gloves should not be used for clinical care, and why?
A:
Polythene gloves: Thin and prone to tearing.
Vinyl gloves: Loose-fitting and less effective in creating a barrier against microorganisms.
Q: What precautions should be taken when selecting gloves?
A: Gloves should fit well, be intact, and free from tears. Latex gloves should be used cautiously due to potential allergies.
