The Truth About Infection Control

Biohazardous waste is waste that contains potentially infectious materials, such as blood or other bodily fluids. To ensure proper handling and disposal, biohazardous waste containers are typically red in color and labeled with a special symbol. This helps to easily identify and differentiate biohazardous waste from other types of waste, reducing the risk of accidental exposure or contamination. Therefore, the statement that most biohazardous waste containers are red and labeled with a special symbol is true.

In every workplace, it is important to have a procedure in place for employees who are exposed to a client's blood. This is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of both the employee and the client. By having a procedure in place, the workplace can effectively handle any potential risks or emergencies that may arise from such exposure. Therefore, the statement "Every workplace has a procedure to follow if you are exposed to a client's blood" is true.

The flu shot is about 80% effective in preventing the flu. This means that out of every 100 people who receive the flu shot, around 80 of them will be protected from getting the flu. While it is not 100% effective, it still provides a significant level of protection against the flu virus. It is important for individuals to get vaccinated each year to reduce their risk of getting sick and spreading the flu to others.

Disposable client care items are designed to be used once and then discarded. They are not meant to be reused, even if they are disinfected. The purpose of disposable items is to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection. Reusing them would defeat their purpose and could potentially put clients at risk. Therefore, the statement that disposable client care items can be used again safely if disinfected is false.

The human body is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria. These bacteria can be found on every square inch of the body, including the skin, mouth, and gut. It is estimated that there are about 32 million bacteria per square inch of the human body. This is due to the fact that the human body provides a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive, with warm and moist areas being particularly favorable. Therefore, it is true that every square inch of the human body has about 32 million bacteria on it.

The statement claims that anti-TB medications are both expensive and not very effective. However, this is not entirely true. While it is true that some anti-TB medications can be expensive, there are also affordable options available in many countries. Additionally, these medications have been proven to be effective in treating tuberculosis, with a high success rate when taken as prescribed. Therefore, the statement is false.

HIV cannot be transmitted through insect bites or from pets. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Insects do not transmit the virus, and pets cannot transmit HIV to humans. The correct answer is False.

Soap alone is not sufficient to disinfect dirty client care equipment. While soap can help remove dirt and debris from the equipment, it is not effective in killing or eliminating harmful microorganisms. Disinfection typically requires the use of specific disinfectants or sanitizing agents that are capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Therefore, the statement that soap is all you need to disinfect dirty client care equipment is false.

Influenza and pneumonia are not two names for the same illness. They are two separate illnesses caused by different pathogens. Influenza is caused by the influenza virus and primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs, usually caused by bacteria or viruses. While both illnesses can have similar symptoms and complications, they are distinct and require different treatments. Therefore, the statement that influenza and pneumonia are two names for the same illness is false.

IV drug use is the primary risk factor for acquiring hepatitis C because the virus is commonly transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles and other drug paraphernalia. When drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream, there is a higher likelihood of the virus being transmitted if the equipment is not properly sterilized. This behavior is particularly risky because hepatitis C can survive outside the body for extended periods of time. Therefore, IV drug users are at a significantly higher risk of contracting hepatitis C compared to individuals who do not engage in this behavior.

Recapping dirty needles can increase the risk of accidental needlestick injuries and the transmission of infectious diseases. When needles are contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, recapping them can cause the needle to slip and puncture the person recapping it. This can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Therefore, it is important to never recap dirty needles to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and prevent the spread of infections.

The statement that most older people are allergic to the flu shot is false. Allergic reactions to the flu shot are rare, and age is not a determining factor for developing an allergy to the vaccine. In fact, older adults are often encouraged to get the flu shot to protect themselves from the illness, as they are more susceptible to severe complications from the flu.

The statement is false because it claims that 50% of health care workers exposed to HIV will become HIV positive. This is an inaccurate and exaggerated claim. While there is a risk of HIV transmission through exposure, the actual transmission rate varies depending on various factors such as the type of exposure, use of preventive measures, and individual immune response. The transmission rate is not as high as 50% and can be significantly lower with proper precautions and adherence to safety protocols.

The statement "The HIV germ is spread very easily" is false. HIV is not spread easily and requires specific conditions for transmission, such as unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or transmission from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It is not transmitted through casual contact or through air, water, or food. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Moisturizing helps to improve the health of the skin by providing hydration and nourishment. When the skin is properly moisturized, it becomes less prone to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Additionally, moisturizers create a barrier on the skin's surface, which helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other harmful substances. This can reduce the risk of infections and breakouts. Therefore, it can be concluded that moisturizing does indeed improve the health of the skin and reduces the build-up of bacteria.

Wearing a paper mask will not provide adequate protection against tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by bacteria that can easily pass through the pores of a paper mask. To protect against tuberculosis, it is recommended to use a specialized mask, such as an N95 respirator, which can filter out the bacteria.

A sneeze zooms out of the nose at over 100 miles per hour because when a person sneezes, the muscles in their chest and abdomen contract, causing a rapid expulsion of air from the nose and mouth. This forceful expulsion of air can propel droplets from the sneeze at high speeds, reaching velocities of over 100 miles per hour.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C. The best way to prevent the infection is to avoid behaviors that can spread the virus, such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex. It is important for individuals at risk to get tested and seek appropriate medical care if they are diagnosed with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus, meaning it can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. Nail clippers can potentially have small amounts of blood on them if they are shared with someone who has the virus and has cut themselves. Therefore, it is possible for hepatitis C to be spread by sharing nail clippers with someone who is infected.

The statement claims that most health care workers wash their hands too often. However, the correct answer is false. This means that the statement is incorrect and most health care workers do not wash their hands too often.

People who have active TB disease must be placed in quarantine. This statement is false. While it is important for individuals with active TB disease to receive appropriate treatment and take measures to prevent the spread of the disease, quarantine is not always necessary. TB can be effectively treated with medications, and individuals who adhere to their treatment regimen are generally not considered to be contagious after a certain period of time. However, it is still important for individuals with active TB to follow the advice of their healthcare provider and take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease to others.