Staff Education Quiz: Infection Control

The correct answer is "All of the above" because Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes gloves, gown, and mask. PPE is designed to protect individuals from potential hazards in their work environment, such as chemicals, infectious diseases, or physical injuries. Gloves are used to protect the hands, gowns are worn to cover the body and prevent contamination, and masks are used to protect the respiratory system from airborne particles. Therefore, all three items mentioned in the options are part of PPE.

Alcohol-based hand rubs are not sufficient in this case.

Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices that are used to prevent the transmission of diseases in healthcare settings. These precautions include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (such as gloves and masks), safe injection practices, and proper handling and disposal of sharps. Standard precautions are implemented with all patients, regardless of their specific condition or infection status. This is because it is not always possible to know if a patient is infected with a particular pathogen, and it is important to prevent the transmission of any potential infectious agents to healthcare workers and other patients.

One should wash their hands for 40-60 seconds when using soap and water. This duration allows enough time for the soap to effectively remove dirt, germs, and bacteria from the hands. Washing for less than 40 seconds may not be sufficient to clean the hands thoroughly, while washing for more than 60 seconds may cause skin dryness or irritation. Therefore, a duration of 40-60 seconds strikes a balance between cleanliness and skin health.

Healthcare workers exhibiting signs and symptoms of the flu should not take care of patients because they can transmit the virus to vulnerable individuals, such as patients with compromised immune systems. By avoiding patient care, healthcare workers can prevent the spread of the flu and protect the health and safety of their patients. This is especially important in healthcare settings where patients may already be at a higher risk of infection. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare workers to prioritize the well-being of their patients and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the flu.

Contact isolation is required for MRSA. MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Contact isolation is necessary to prevent the spread of MRSA through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. This includes using gloves and gowns when in contact with the patient, and following strict hand hygiene practices. Droplet isolation is not specifically required for MRSA, as it is primarily transmitted through direct contact rather than through respiratory droplets.

When you get a needle stick injury, it is important to take immediate action to minimize the risk of infection. Washing the wound with running water and soap helps to clean the area and reduce the chances of bacteria entering the body. Encouraging the wound to gently bleed can help flush out any potential contaminants. After cleaning the wound, it is essential to dry it and cover it with a waterproof dressing to protect it from further contamination. Seeking urgent medical advice is necessary to assess the risk of infection and receive appropriate treatment. Reporting the injury to your employer is important for documentation and potential follow-up actions.

Curtains should change if needed

Chickenpox is highly contagious and can spread through both airborne particles and direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Airborne transmission occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing virus particles into the air that can be inhaled by others. Contact transmission occurs when a person touches the fluid from the blisters and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. Therefore, both airborne and contact precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of chickenpox.

A semi-critical item does not require sterilization. Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, but do not penetrate body tissues. These items typically require high-level disinfection, not sterilization. Sterilization is reserved for critical items that come into contact with sterile body tissues or the vascular system. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Alcohol-based hand rubs, like Purell, should contain a minimum of 60% alcohol. This is because alcohol is effective in killing germs and bacteria on the hands. A concentration of at least 60% alcohol ensures that the hand rub is potent enough to eliminate a wide range of microorganisms and provide effective hand hygiene.