infection FC

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, leading to disease or tissue damage.

Pathogenic microorganisms

Microorganisms that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic, often due to misuse or overuse of antibiotics.

Local Infection

An infection that is limited to a specific area of the body, with symptoms like redness and swelling.

Systemic Infection

An infection that spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Primary Infection

The initial infection caused by a pathogen in a previously healthy person.

Secondary Infection

An infection that occurs after or because of a primary infection, often due to a weakened immune system.

Normal Flora

Microorganisms that live on or inside the human body without causing disease and help maintain health.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

Infections acquired during healthcare delivery that were not present at the time of admission.

Decontamination

The process of removing, inactivating, or destroying microorganisms to make an object or environment safe.

Sterilization

The process of destroying or removing all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.

Disinfection

The process of eliminating most microorganisms, except bacterial spores.

Aseptic Technique

A procedure performed under sterile conditions to minimize contamination.

Standard Precautions

Basic infection control measures that apply to all patients, regardless of their infection status.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing and equipment used by healthcare workers to prevent exposure to infectious agents.

Transmissible Infection

An infection that can be spread from one person to another.

Droplet Precautions

Precautions taken to prevent transmission of infections spread by large respiratory droplets.

Airborne Precautions

Precautions taken to prevent transmission of infections spread by small airborne particles.

Fill in the blank: Infection can be caused by _________ microorganisms that invade the body.

pathogenic

What does PPE stand for?

Personal Protective Equipment.

What is the primary purpose of PPE?

To protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents.

Name a common type of PPE used in healthcare settings.

Gloves.

What is the purpose of gloves in PPE?

To protect hands from contamination and transmission of pathogens.

What type of PPE is used to protect the face and eyes?

Face shields or goggles.

Why is a mask considered PPE?

It helps prevent the inhalation of infectious droplets.

What are N95 respirators used for?

To filter airborne particles and provide a higher level of protection than standard masks.

What is the role of gowns in PPE?

To protect skin and clothing from contamination.

What should be done before putting on PPE?

Perform hand hygiene.

What is an important step after removing PPE?

Dispose of it properly and perform hand hygiene.

Why is proper fit important for PPE?

To ensure maximum protection against exposure.

What is a surgical mask primarily used for?

To block large respiratory droplets from reaching others.

What should be done if PPE becomes damaged during use?

Replace it immediately.

How is PPE selected for use in a specific situation?

Based on the level of exposure risk and type of procedure.

What is donning in terms of PPE?

The process of putting on PPE.

What is doffing in terms of PPE?

The process of removing PPE.

What is a shield's function in PPE?

To protect the face from splashes and sprays.

What type of PPE is used to protect respiratory systems in high-risk environments?

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs).

What are coveralls designed for in PPE?

To provide full-body protection from contaminants.

How often should PPE be checked for integrity?

Before each use.

What type of PPE is essential for aerosol-generating procedures?

N95 respirators or higher level respirators.

What is the best practice for PPE storage?

Store in a clean, dry location away from potential contaminants.

Describe the purpose of noise-cancelling headphones in a healthcare setting.

To protect hearing from loud noise, although not a standard PPE item.

What should be considered when choosing gloves for a procedure?

Material, size, and needed barrier protection.

What does single-use PPE mean?

PPE that is intended to be used once and then discarded.

How can PPE contribute to infection prevention?

By creating a barrier against transmission routes.

What should staff do if a patient is in contact precautions?

Wear appropriate PPE before entering the patient's area.

What is the hierarchy of controls in relation to PPE?

A framework prioritizing elimination and engineering controls over PPE.

What is the importance of training on PPE use?

To ensure correct utilization and safety of healthcare workers.

What does it mean for PPE to be 'fluid resistant'?

It can resist penetration by liquids.

What type of foot protection might be used in a healthcare setting?

Sterile shoe covers.

What is the risk of reusing single-use PPE?

Increased chance of contamination and infection transmission.

Why are face masks required in most healthcare settings?

To reduce the spread of respiratory infections.

What is the recommended way to remove gloves?

By grasping the outside of one glove and peeling it off without touching the skin.

Why is hand sanitizer commonly used in conjunction with PPE?

To further reduce the risk of infectious transmission.

What is the purpose of an isolation gown?

To protect the wearer’s clothing and skin from contact with infectious materials.

What is a level 3 surgical mask?

A mask designed for moderate to high risk of fluid exposure.

What should be inspected when checking respirators prior to use?

Seals, straps, and filters.

What are biohazard bags used for in PPE protocols?

To safely dispose of contaminated waste.

What action is advised if clothing becomes soiled with blood or bodily fluids?

Follow protocols for changing into clean PPE immediately.

Who is responsible for ensuring the availability of PPE in healthcare settings?

Employers and healthcare facility management.

What is the correct procedure for cleaning reusable PPE?

Follow manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and disinfecting.

Why is it important to communicate with others when using PPE?

To ensure safety and address any concerns about exposure.

What should workers do in the case of eye exposure to infectious materials?

Flush eyes with water or saline and seek medical attention.

What is the function of a barrier gown?

To provide a protective layer against droplets and contact.

How does PPE classification vary?

Based on the level of protection needed from hazards.

What are standard precautions?

Basic infection control measures applied to all patients, regardless of their infection status.

Why are standard precautions important?

To reduce the risk of transmission of infections in healthcare settings.

What is the first component of standard precautions?

Hand hygiene.

What should be used for hand hygiene?

Soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

When should hand hygiene be performed?

Before and after patient contact and after exposure to bodily fluids.

What type of PPE is typically included in standard precautions?

Gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection.

When should gloves be worn?

When there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids.

What is the purpose of wearing masks?

To prevent inhalation of infectious droplets.

What is the role of gowns in standard precautions?

To protect skin and clothing from contamination.

What are the recommended practices for handling sharps?

Use puncture-resistant containers for disposal.

What is the significance of proper waste disposal?

To minimize the risk of infection transmission.

What is respiratory hygiene?

Practices to contain respiratory secretions to prevent transmission.

How should coughs or sneezes be managed?

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow, then perform hand hygiene.

What should be done with soiled linen?

Handle with gloves and store in designated bags for laundering.

What are the precautions for handling blood?

Assume all blood is infectious and use appropriate PPE.

What are the signs of infection to look for in patients?

Redness, swelling, fever, or pus formation.

What should be done if a needle-stick injury occurs?

Clean the injury site, report immediately, and follow facility protocols.

What is the importance of patient education on standard precautions?

To promote understanding and compliance among patients.

What role do environmental controls play?

To ensure safe and clean patient care environments.

How often should surfaces be cleaned and disinfected?

Regularly, especially in high-touch areas.

What should healthcare workers do if they see a breach in standard precautions?

Report the incident to ensure corrective action.

What is the guideline for using personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Select PPE based on the risk of exposure to infectious materials.

What is the importance of training on standard precautions?

To ensure all staff are aware and proficient in infection control practices.

What role does communication play in implementing standard precautions?

Ensures everyone is informed about potential infection risks.

Which bodily fluids require standard precautions?

Blood, urine, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials.

What is a crucial step in the use of PPE?

Proper fitting and adjustment before patient contact.

What type of hand sanitizer should be used when soap and water are unavailable?

Alcohol-based with at least 60% alcohol content.

What should be done with single-use PPE after use?

Dispose of it immediately in designated waste containers.

Why is it essential to avoid hand contact with face?

To reduce the risk of pathogens entering the body.

What do standard precautions help to prevent within healthcare facilities?

Healthcare-associated infections.

How should healthcare facilities ensure continuous compliance with standard precautions?

Regular audits and feedback mechanisms.

What type of eye protection is recommended in many procedures?

Goggles or face shields.

What is the protocol for a patient suspected of having a transmissible infection?

Implement appropriate isolation and use of PPE.

What is a key criterion for hand rubs to be effective?

They must remain moist on the hands for the recommended time.

What are the guidelines for using biohazard bags?

Use for disposal of all contaminated waste materials.