2nd Quarter Infection Control

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving medical treatment. Contaminated hands of healthcare workers are a major source of these infections. Healthcare workers come into contact with various surfaces and patients, making their hands susceptible to picking up and spreading harmful bacteria and viruses. Proper hand hygiene, including handwashing and the use of hand sanitizers, is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Therefore, it is true that many healthcare associated infections occur due to the contaminated hands of healthcare workers.

Hand washing is required when hands are visibly soiled. This means that if there is visible dirt, grime, or any other substances on the hands, it is necessary to wash them. This is because visible soiling can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that can cause illnesses. Washing hands with soap and water effectively removes the visible dirt as well as the invisible germs, helping to prevent the spread of infections. Therefore, the statement is true.

Artificial nails and long natural nails are prohibited for all direct patient care staff because they can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection for patients. These types of nails are difficult to clean properly and can easily tear gloves, which compromises infection control measures. Therefore, it is necessary for direct patient care staff to have short, clean, and natural nails to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for patients.

Alcohol-based rubs have been proven to be more effective in reducing the number of infections compared to hand washing. This is because alcohol-based rubs contain a higher concentration of alcohol, typically around 60-95%, which has been shown to kill a wider range of bacteria and viruses. Additionally, alcohol-based rubs are more convenient and accessible, making them a practical solution for reducing infections in various settings.

The statement is false because when you remove gloves, you do not necessarily have to wash with soap and water. Washing hands with soap and water is recommended after removing gloves in certain situations, such as when the gloves have come into contact with harmful substances or when you have been working in a high-risk environment. However, in some cases, hand sanitizer may be sufficient for disinfection after removing gloves. Therefore, washing with soap and water is not always required.