Infectious Control Part 1

Hand washing is the most important and effective way of preventing the spread of infection. This is because our hands come into contact with various surfaces and can easily pick up and transfer harmful bacteria and viruses. Regular hand washing with soap and water helps to remove these pathogens from our hands, reducing the risk of infection. It is a simple and cost-effective measure that can be practiced by everyone to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases.

Transmission-based precautions are infection control measures that are implemented to prevent the spread of certain diseases. These precautions are categorized into three types: contact precautions, droplet precautions, and airborne precautions. Each type is used based on the mode of transmission of the disease. Some diseases may have multiple modes of transmission, such as being spread through both contact and droplets. In such cases, a combination of transmission-based precautions may be necessary to effectively control the spread of the disease. Therefore, the statement that the type of transmission-based precautions can be combined for diseases with multiple modes of transmission is true.

AIIR stands for Airborne Infection Isolation Room. In hospitals, patients who require airborne precautions are placed in these rooms. AIIRs are specially designed to prevent the spread of airborne infectious diseases. They have ventilation systems that filter and control the airflow, preventing the contaminated air from spreading to other areas of the hospital. These rooms also have negative air pressure, meaning that air flows into the room but not out, further minimizing the risk of contamination. AIIRs are essential in protecting healthcare workers and other patients from airborne diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and COVID-19.

To prevent aerosolization or contact with the infectious agent in skin lesions associated with varicella or smallpox or draining skin lesions caused by M. tuberculosis, it is important to cover the affected areas. This helps to contain the infectious agent and prevent its spread through the air or direct contact with the skin. Lotioning the affected areas or rubbing them with bare hands may not provide sufficient protection and can potentially contribute to the spread of the infection.

When using 10% bleach to disinfect, it is recommended to make the solution daily. This is because bleach loses its effectiveness over time due to factors like evaporation and exposure to light. By making the solution daily, you ensure that it is fresh and at its maximum disinfecting power.

The statement suggests that hand-operated faucet handles could potentially have contaminated surfaces. To avoid touching these surfaces with bare hands and potentially spreading germs, it is recommended to use a clean disposable towel to turn the faucet on and off. This practice helps maintain hygiene and minimize the risk of contamination. Therefore, the statement is true.

Infection control procedures are specifically implemented to prevent the spread of infections and break the chain of infection. These procedures include various measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, disinfection and sterilization of equipment, and isolation precautions. By following these procedures, healthcare facilities and professionals can effectively reduce the transmission of infectious agents and protect both patients and healthcare workers from acquiring or spreading infections. Therefore, the statement "Infection control procedures are designed to break the chain of infection" is true.

In acute care hospitals and long-term care and other residential settings, it is important to limit the transport and movement of patients outside of their rooms to medically-necessary purposes. This is because patients in these settings are often vulnerable to infections and other health risks, and unnecessary movement can increase the chances of exposure to harmful pathogens. By restricting patient transport to only medically-necessary purposes, healthcare facilities can help minimize the spread of infections and ensure the safety and well-being of their patients.

The term "susceptibility host" refers to an individual who has the potential to become infected by a particular disease or pathogen. This person may have a weakened immune system, lack of immunity to the specific pathogen, or other factors that make them more vulnerable to infection. The term "susceptibility host" is used in the context of understanding how diseases spread and identifying individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.

The statement is true because covering the affected areas of skin lesions associated with varicella, smallpox, or draining skin lesions caused by M. tuberculosis can help prevent the aerosolization or contact with the infectious agent present in the lesions. This can reduce the risk of transmission of the disease to others and promote faster healing of the lesions.

A gown should be worn whenever there is a possibility of direct contact between clothing and the patient or potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. This is important to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a sterile environment. Wearing a gown provides an additional layer of protection and helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

The correct answer is true because holding the hands in a downward position while rinsing ensures that any dirt or contaminants on the hands are washed away from the body, preventing them from being transferred back onto the arms or wrists. Rinsing from the arm or wrist towards the tip of the fingers also helps to ensure that all areas of the hands are thoroughly cleaned. This proper hand washing technique is important for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of germs.

The correct answer is "mode of transmission." The mode of transmission refers to the specific way in which a pathogen is transferred from the source to a susceptible host. This can include various means such as direct contact (touching patients), injuries (needle stick injuries), respiratory droplets (coughing), or contaminated food or water. Understanding the mode of transmission is crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and implementing appropriate control measures.

When entering the room or home of a patient with diseases transmitted by airborne route, it is important to wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved N95 respiratory protection. This type of mask is specifically designed to filter out airborne particles and provide a high level of protection against infectious diseases. It is important for the mask to be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal and maximum effectiveness. A CLSI approved surgical mask may not provide the same level of protection against airborne diseases, and a faceshield alone may not provide adequate respiratory protection.

The current CDC isolation guidelines require health care workers to follow transmission-based precautions when working with patients diagnosed or suspected of a specific transmissible disease. These precautions are designed to prevent the spread of the disease through direct contact, droplets, or airborne transmission. They include measures such as wearing personal protective equipment, practicing proper hand hygiene, and implementing appropriate environmental controls. By following these precautions, health care workers can minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to themselves, other patients, and the community.

During handwashing, it is recommended to lather the hands and wrists and rub them vigorously for at least 15 seconds. This duration allows enough time for the soap to effectively remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants from the hands. Rubbing the hands vigorously helps to create friction, which aids in the removal of microorganisms. Washing for a shorter duration may not provide sufficient cleaning, while washing for a longer duration may not offer any additional benefits. Therefore, 15 seconds is the minimum recommended time for effective handwashing.

The correct answer is a combination of the following statements: 1) It is administered in three injections over a period of six months, 2) It must be available at no charge to the phlebotomist, 3) The complete series is effective for 15 or more years, and 4) It protects the phlebotomist from contracting the disease or becoming a carrier. These statements accurately describe the key aspects of hepatitis B vaccination, including the dosing schedule, cost, duration of effectiveness, and its ability to provide protection against the disease.

Handwashing is necessary before all procedures to ensure that any potential pathogens or contaminants on the hands are removed, reducing the risk of infection. Similarly, handwashing after all procedures is important to eliminate any remaining pathogens and prevent cross-contamination. When hands are visibly soiled, handwashing is essential to remove dirt, debris, and potentially harmful microorganisms. Before eating, handwashing is crucial to prevent the ingestion of pathogens that may be present on the hands. However, handwashing before blinking or after touching the face is not necessary unless the hands have come into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

The term "source" refers to a location or origin where microorganisms exist in enough quantities to cause disease. This can include various places such as hands, blood, body fluids, and even the air. In the context of disease transmission, identifying the source of the microorganisms is crucial in order to prevent further spread and control the outbreak. By understanding the source, appropriate measures can be taken to minimize the risk of infection and protect susceptible individuals.

Healthcare personnel transporting patients who are on Airborne Precautions do not need to wear a mask or respirator during transport if the patient is wearing a mask and infectious skin lesions are covered. This is true because if the patient is already wearing a mask and their infectious skin lesions are covered, it reduces the risk of spreading airborne pathogens. Therefore, healthcare personnel can safely transport the patient without needing to wear a mask or respirator themselves.

The items listed in the answer (masks, respirators, goggles, face shield, gowns, and gloves) are all considered personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is worn to protect individuals from potential hazards in their work environment. Masks, respirators, and face shields are used to protect the respiratory system and face from airborne particles or fluids. Goggles provide eye protection, while gowns and gloves protect the body and hands from contamination. Therefore, all of the items listed in the answer are examples of PPE.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends a minimum of 6-12 air changes per hour in an AIIR (Airborne Infection Isolation Room). This is because AIIRs are designed to prevent the spread of airborne infectious diseases. By increasing the number of air changes per hour, the room's ventilation system can effectively remove and dilute airborne pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and other patients. It is important to maintain a high number of air changes to ensure the room's air quality remains safe and clean.

When transport or movement outside an AIIR (Airborne Infection Isolation Room) is necessary, it is important to instruct patients to wear a surgical mask. This is because wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain infectious agents. Additionally, instructing the patient to observe Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette is important to minimize the risk of transmission. This includes covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of tissues properly. The instruction to cough quietly with the mouth open wide is not accurate and may not effectively prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.