OSHA And Infection Control

Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices that are used to prevent the spread of infection in healthcare settings. These precautions are designed to be applied to all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. The objective of standard precautions is to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious agents from patient to patient, from patient to staff, from staff to patient, and from staff to staff. By implementing these precautions, healthcare providers can create a safe environment and reduce the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Barrier creams are not a substitute for gloves. While barrier creams can provide some protection against certain substances, they are not as effective as gloves in preventing direct contact with harmful chemicals or pathogens. Gloves provide a physical barrier that covers the entire hand, offering better protection against potential hazards. Therefore, it is not advisable to substitute gloves with barrier creams.

Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing precautions. While gloves provide a barrier between the hands and potentially harmful substances, they can still become contaminated. Handwashing is necessary before putting on gloves to prevent transferring any germs from the hands to the gloves. Additionally, handwashing is required after removing gloves to ensure proper hygiene and prevent the spread of any pathogens that may have been on the gloves. Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that wearing gloves eliminates the need for handwashing precautions.

Hepatitis B is indeed caused by a virus, specifically the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine is an effective preventive measure against this viral infection. By receiving the vaccine, individuals can develop immunity to the virus and significantly reduce their risk of contracting hepatitis B. Therefore, the statement "Hepatitis B is caused by a virus and can be prevented by getting the hepatitis B vaccine" is true.

Universal Precautions are recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Universal Precautions are a set of guidelines that healthcare workers follow to prevent the spread of infection and disease. These guidelines include practices such as wearing gloves, using protective barriers, and properly disposing of contaminated materials. The Center for Disease Control promotes the use of Universal Precautions to ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Therefore, the statement that Universal Precautions are not recommended by the Center for Disease Control is false.

Gloves are necessary when working in the home to protect hands from potential hazards such as chemicals, hot surfaces, sharp objects, or germs. Wearing gloves can prevent injuries, burns, or contamination. Therefore, the statement "Gloves are not necessary when working in the home" is incorrect, and the correct answer is False.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect individuals from exposure to hazardous materials, such as blood or potentially infectious bodily fluids. Wearing PPE in situations where there is a risk of coming into contact with such substances helps to prevent the transmission of diseases and infections. Therefore, it is important to wear PPE when there is a possibility of encountering blood or potentially infectious bodily fluids.

Alcohol-based hand rinse should not be used if hands are visibly dirty because the dirt and grime on the hands can prevent the alcohol from effectively killing germs. In order for the hand rinse to be effective, it needs to come into direct contact with the skin without any barriers. Therefore, if hands are visibly dirty, it is recommended to wash them with soap and water first to remove the dirt, and then use the alcohol-based hand rinse for further disinfection.

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis can remain suspended in the air for several hours, making it easy for others to inhale the bacteria and become infected. This mode of transmission is the most common way tuberculosis is spread, making the answer "Through the air" the correct choice.

Masks and goggles are not required to be worn when caring for patients who have a cough or are vomiting. However, it is recommended to wear masks and goggles when caring for patients with respiratory infections or when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids. Therefore, the statement is false.