Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz: Exam!

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial in fighting off infections. As the virus replicates and destroys more CD4 cells, the immune system becomes weakened, making the individual more susceptible to various infections and diseases. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is the late stage of HIV infection. Therefore, HIV is the correct answer for the virus that causes AIDS.

Hand washing is indeed an important part of disease prevention. It helps to remove germs and bacteria from our hands, reducing the risk of spreading infections. Proper hand hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, is recommended by health experts as an effective way to prevent the transmission of diseases, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Regular hand washing is particularly crucial during outbreaks or pandemics to protect both ourselves and others from getting sick.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, is crucial in protecting individuals from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These pathogens can be present in blood and other bodily fluids, and can cause serious infections if proper precautions are not taken. By wearing the appropriate PPE, healthcare workers and other individuals can minimize the risk of transmission and ensure their safety. Therefore, the statement that personal protective equipment is an important line of defense against exposure to bloodborne pathogens is true.

Biological hazardous waste bags should be red or red-orange in color. This is because these colors are universally recognized as symbols for danger and warning. Using these colors for hazardous waste bags helps to easily identify and differentiate them from other types of waste, reducing the risk of mishandling or accidental exposure to potentially harmful biological materials.

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act is a federal law that aims to protect healthcare workers from needlestick injuries. It requires the use of safer needles, such as those with safety features that can prevent accidental needlestick injuries. The law also mandates the use of disposal containers specifically designed for the safe disposal of needles. Therefore, the statement that the Act requires the use of safer needles and disposal containers is true.

It is important to understand and follow your employer's policies regarding bloodborne pathogens because these policies are in place to protect employees from potential exposure to bloodborne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. By following these policies, employees can minimize the risk of infection and ensure a safe working environment. Failure to comply with these policies can result in serious health consequences and potential legal implications. Therefore, it is crucial for employees to be aware of and adhere to their employer's policies regarding bloodborne pathogens.

The statement suggests that the relative risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is high, but contradicts itself by stating that once exposed, the diseases are not that serious. This is not a logical statement, as exposure to bloodborne pathogens can lead to serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Universal Precautions is a practice in healthcare where all bodily fluids are treated as if they are infectious, regardless of whether the infection status of the fluids is known or not. This approach ensures the safety of healthcare workers and prevents the transmission of diseases. By assuming that all bodily fluids are infectious, healthcare providers can take necessary precautions such as wearing gloves, masks, and other protective equipment, and following proper hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Therefore, the statement "Universal Precautions means treating all bodily fluids as if they are known to be infectious" is true.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are viral infections that primarily target the liver. These viruses cause inflammation and damage to the liver cells, leading to liver disease. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, producing bile, storing vitamins, and metabolizing nutrients. Therefore, the correct answer is the liver.

An incident report should be completed regardless of whether or not you know whose blood you were exposed to. It is important to document any incidents involving exposure to blood or other bodily fluids for the purpose of tracking and monitoring potential risks, as well as for legal and insurance purposes. By completing an incident report, healthcare professionals can ensure that appropriate follow-up actions are taken to prevent any potential infections or health complications.

The statement is false because not all persons infected with a bloodborne pathogen will begin showing symptoms soon after infection. Some bloodborne pathogens have an incubation period, which means that symptoms may not appear immediately after infection. In some cases, it may take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to develop. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that all infected individuals will show symptoms soon after infection.

The statement is false because it is not the responsibility of the employees to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for themselves. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide and ensure the availability of appropriate PPE for their employees. This is outlined in occupational health and safety regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the workers. Employees should not be burdened with the cost or responsibility of acquiring their own PPE.

PPE, or personal protective equipment, should be chosen based on the types of exposure that are reasonably expected. This means that the selection of PPE should be tailored to the specific hazards or risks that individuals may encounter in their work environment. By selecting the appropriate PPE, individuals can effectively protect themselves from potential harm or injury. Therefore, the statement "PPE should be selected based upon the types of exposure that reasonably anticipated" is true.

Disposable PPE is designed to be used once and then discarded. It is not intended to be reused, even if it is properly decontaminated. The term "disposable" implies that the item is not meant to be used multiple times. Reusing disposable PPE can compromise its effectiveness and increase the risk of contamination. Therefore, the statement that disposable PPE can be reused if properly decontaminated is false.

Exposure Control Plans should be reviewed and updated annually to ensure that they are in compliance with current regulations, reflect any changes in the workplace, and incorporate any new information or best practices in the field of occupational health and safety. Regular reviews and updates help to identify and address any deficiencies or gaps in the plan, ensuring that employees are adequately protected from exposure to hazardous substances or conditions. This annual review process also allows for the opportunity to involve employees in the plan's development and implementation, promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement within the organization.

This statement is false because there are other bodily fluids besides blood that can carry pathogens. For example, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk can also carry pathogens. It is important to be aware of this fact in order to take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of diseases.

The statement is false because contaminated waste should not be placed in a wastebasket. Contaminated waste should be properly disposed of in designated containers or through appropriate waste management procedures to prevent the spread of contamination and potential harm to human health or the environment.

The statement "There is currently no vaccination available for Hepatitis B" is incorrect. There is a vaccination available for Hepatitis B. The vaccine is considered highly effective and is recommended for all infants, as well as for individuals who may be at risk of contracting the virus, such as healthcare workers or individuals with multiple sexual partners. The vaccine helps to prevent Hepatitis B infection and its potential complications.

The statement "There are only 3 bloodborne diseases" is false. There are actually more than 3 bloodborne diseases. Bloodborne diseases are infections that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. Examples of bloodborne diseases include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and malaria, among others. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

The Hepatitis B vaccination has been proven to prevent the disease in approximately 95% of those receiving the vaccine. This means that out of every 100 people who receive the vaccine, 95 of them will be protected from developing Hepatitis B. The high efficacy rate of 95% demonstrates the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing the disease.