Infection Control Quiz Part 4

If the latex allergen is introduced directly into the blood, it can trigger an anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and releases a large amount of chemicals, causing a rapid and severe response throughout the body. This can lead to difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death if not treated promptly.

Contaminated needles and other sharps should not be recapped because it can lead to accidental needlestick injuries and the potential transmission of infectious diseases. By leaving the needle uncapped, healthcare workers can safely dispose of it in a sharps container, reducing the risk of harm to themselves and others. Recapping contaminated needles is considered unsafe practice and should be avoided.

An OSHA inspector has the authority to question phlebotomists at a healthcare facility to gather information about their input in the development and implementation of newer, safer blood collection devices. This is because OSHA's primary goal is to ensure workplace safety and health, and understanding the perspectives and experiences of the workers is crucial in this process. By questioning the phlebotomists, the inspector can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness and impact of the new devices, and identify any potential areas of improvement.

The statement suggests that everyone reacts to latex at the exact same level. However, this is not true as people can have different levels of sensitivity or allergies to latex. Some individuals may have severe reactions, while others may have no reaction at all. Therefore, the correct answer is false, indicating that not everyone reacts to latex at the exact same level.

A phlebotomist is not authorized to remove sharp materials from the sharps container. The sharps container is specifically designed for the safe disposal of sharp objects such as needles, lancets, and scalpels. Removing sharp materials from the container can pose a risk of injury and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It is important for phlebotomists to follow proper protocols and guidelines for the safe handling and disposal of sharps to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

The form would report an exposure incident. This refers to a situation where an individual has been exposed to a hazardous substance or potentially infectious material. The purpose of reporting such incidents is to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent further exposure and to provide necessary medical treatment if required. The form would document details of the incident, including the date, time, location, individuals involved, and any actions taken following the exposure.

Latex is indeed made from the natural rubber of trees and is commonly found in various household and healthcare products. It is a flexible and durable material that is used in the production of items such as gloves, balloons, condoms, rubber bands, and many more. Therefore, the statement "Latex is made from the natural rubber of trees and can be found in many household and healthcare products" is true.

The correct answer includes a list of work practice controls that help to minimize exposure to pathogens. These controls include using surface disinfectant regularly to keep the work environment clean, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning up biological spills to protect oneself from potential contamination, practicing hand hygiene by washing hands with an appropriate antiseptic before donning gloves, after glove removal, or whenever necessary, removing and disposing of PPE when leaving a work area or completing a task to prevent cross-contamination, and using appropriate needle stick prevention practices to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This comprehensive approach ensures the safety and well-being of individuals working in environments where exposure to pathogens is a concern.

The statement suggests that various medical products such as intravenous tubing, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, tourniquets, and rubber gloves could potentially contain latex. This implies that these products may be made from or include latex materials. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

Standard precautions is a method of exposure control that is used to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings. It includes practices such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and proper handling and disposal of sharps. By following standard precautions, healthcare workers can minimize the risk of transmitting infections to themselves, their colleagues, and their patients. Therefore, the statement "standard precautions is a method of exposure control" is true.

The statement suggests that with each additional exposure to latex, the symptoms become less advanced. However, the correct answer is False. This means that the statement is not true. Each additional exposure to latex can actually result in more advanced symptoms or allergic reactions, rather than lessening them.

Hospitals that do not switch totally to latex-free devices likely do so because these devices are more expensive. This suggests that cost is a significant factor in the decision-making process for hospitals when it comes to switching to latex-free devices.

The correct answer includes the necessary information that must be recorded in the Sharps Injury Log. This includes the date of the injury, the type and brand of the device involved, the department or work area where the incident occurred, and an explanation of how the incident occurred. These details are important for tracking and investigating percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps.

The Biohazard label must be affixed to containers of regulated waste, refrigerators containing blood or other infectious materials, any containers with infectious material used for transport, and any containers used for storage of infectious material. The label is used to indicate that the contents of these containers pose a potential biohazard and should be handled with caution.

The correct answer is that the exposure control plan should be accessible to OSHA inspectors, should be accessible to employees, must be reviewed and updated annually, and is a written plan designed to eliminate employee exposure. This means that the plan should be available for OSHA inspectors to review during inspections, as well as accessible to employees so they can understand and follow the guidelines. It should also be reviewed and updated on a yearly basis to ensure it remains effective and compliant with regulations. The purpose of the plan is to eliminate or reduce employee exposure to hazards in the workplace.

OSHA is able to enforce strong compliance to their rules and regulations by leveling large fines up to $7,000 per infraction. This serves as a strong deterrent for employers to ensure they adhere to OSHA standards and regulations. The threat of significant financial penalties motivates employers to prioritize workplace safety and take necessary measures to prevent violations. By imposing substantial fines, OSHA creates a strong incentive for organizations to comply with their rules and regulations, ultimately leading to safer working conditions for employees.

Latex allergies can occur through direct skin contact, inhalation of latex powder, and getting the powder in the eyes. Direct skin contact with latex can cause skin problems such as rashes or hives. Inhalation of latex powder into the air can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. If the powder gets into the eyes, they can become swollen and irritated. Additionally, the powder can also get on the heel of shoes, causing them to become whiter.

The statement suggests that contaminated needles can be bent by never recapping them. This statement is false because the act of not recapping the needles does not have any impact on their ability to be bent. The bending of needles is not related to whether or not they are recapped.

The correct answer includes the key components of an exposure control plan (ECP) as mentioned in the passage. These components are procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding an exposure incident, recordkeeping, communication of hazards to employees and training, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, hepatitis B vaccination, and determination of employee exposure. The last option, "where to have the annual holiday party," is not mentioned in the passage and is unrelated to the ECP.

The correct answer is puncture resistant, leak proof, labeled as biohazard. This is because needles and sharps can cause injury if not properly contained, so they must be placed in containers that are puncture resistant to prevent accidental punctures. The containers must also be leak proof to prevent any potential contamination or exposure to infectious materials. Additionally, they should be labeled as biohazard to indicate the presence of potentially hazardous materials and ensure proper handling and disposal. The color purple is not mentioned as a requirement for the containers.

Type I latex allergy is worse than type IV latex allergy. Type I latex allergy is an immediate hypersensitivity reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure to latex. It can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. On the other hand, type IV latex allergy is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that develops over time and causes a localized skin rash. While both types of allergies can cause discomfort and inconvenience, type I latex allergy poses a greater risk of severe and life-threatening reactions, making it worse than type IV latex allergy.

The correct answer is HEPATITIS B VACCINE DECLINATION and it is mandatory for any personnel declining the HBV vaccine. This is because the statement provided is a declination form for the hepatitis B vaccine. It states that the individual understands the risks of not getting vaccinated and declines the vaccine at that time. It also mentions that if they change their mind in the future, they can still receive the vaccination series at no charge. Therefore, it is mandatory for personnel declining the vaccine to sign this form.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a method used to control exposure to harmful substances or hazards. It includes various items such as masks, gloves, and lab coats. Masks are worn over the mouth and nose to protect against airborne particles or droplets. Gloves provide a barrier between the hands and potentially hazardous materials, preventing direct contact. Lab coats are worn to protect clothing from spills, splashes, or contamination. Therefore, the correct answer includes all three items, as they are essential components of personal protective equipment.

Based on the three infractions mentioned (drawing blood without gloves, walking with a dripping needle, and attempting to dispose of it in an overflowing sharps container), each infraction carries a $7000 fine. Since there are three infractions, the total amount that the employer will be charged is $7000 x 3 = $21,000.

Engineering control is a method of exposure control that focuses on modifying the work environment or equipment to minimize the risk of exposure to hazards. In this case, the listed items all fall under the category of engineering control measures. The benchtop acrylic safety shield, biohazard containers, puncture resistant sharps container, safety needles, Sharps with engineered sharps injury protection (SESIPs), and needless systems are all examples of engineering controls that can be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous materials or injuries in a healthcare or laboratory setting. Scrubs, on the other hand, do not fall under the category of engineering controls as they are related to personal protective equipment (PPE).

After an exposure incident, it is important to record the type and brand of the device involved, as this information helps in identifying potential risks and taking appropriate preventive measures. The location of the incident should also be recorded to determine if any specific areas or equipment are prone to such incidents and to implement necessary safety measures. Additionally, a detailed description of the exposure incident should be documented to understand the severity, identify any patterns, and facilitate future investigations or improvements. The opacity of the device is not relevant in recording an exposure incident.

The correct answer includes the necessary steps to be taken in the event of an exposure incident. These steps include documenting the routes of exposure and how it occurred, identifying and documenting the source individual, obtaining consent for testing the source individual, collecting the exposed employee's blood for testing, and providing the exposed employee with the source individual's test results and information about applicable disclosure laws. The answer also states that if the source individual is already known to be positive for HIV, HCV, and/or HBV, new testing is not necessary.

This answer lists the various methods of exposure control, which include standard precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, and housekeeping with little or no agitation of textile. These methods are used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards in the workplace. Standard precautions involve following basic infection control practices, such as hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment. Engineering and work practice controls refer to physical changes or procedures implemented to reduce exposure, such as ventilation systems or safe work practices. Personal protective equipment includes items like gloves, masks, and goggles that are used to protect workers from hazards. Housekeeping with little or no agitation of textile refers to the practice of cleaning without causing the release of hazardous particles or substances.