Exam Review Flashcards: Infection Control, PPE, Immunity, Wound Care, Vital Signs, and Chapter Highlights (Ch 18-22, 32)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from infection control, PPE, immunity, wound care, and vital signs, aligned with Chapters 18-22 and 32 notes.

What is the single best way to prevent the spread of infection?

Hand washing.

How many seconds should you scrub during hand washing?

20 seconds.

When is hand sanitizer appropriate?

When hands are not visibly soiled.

How long should you rub with hand sanitizer?

Until hands are dry.

What method is most effective to prevent the spread of infection among institutionalized patients?

Routine hand hygiene.

Define a pathogen.

An organism capable of causing disease.

Define a fomite.

A contaminated object that transfers a pathogen.

Define a vector.

An organism that carries a pathogen.

Who are carriers?

People who harbor a pathogenic organism but have no outward signs of disease.

Name common airborne pathogens.

Measles, tuberculosis (TB), and many fungal infections.

What infection is thrush an example of?

Oral candidiasis; an endogenous healthcare-related infection from suppression of normal flora due to antibiotics.

Name the stages of infection.

Prodromal stage, Illness stage, Decline stage.

Why close doors during a sterile procedure?

Air currents can carry dust and microorganisms.

Inflammation is which line of defense?

A secondary (non-specific) defense.

What do erythema and localized heat indicate?

Infection (e.g., cellulitis).

Which antibodies are first to be produced in response to infection?

IgM.

What is passive immunity?

Transfer of antibodies from one host to another (e.g., placenta to fetus).

Why is there no vaccine for the common cold?

The cold virus rapidly changes (antigenic variation).

Fever in infection is what type of response?

A normal immune response; treated symptomatically with fluids, etc.

Clostridium difficile infection is commonly associated with what factor?

Prolonged or excessive antibiotic use.

Who is at increased risk for infection?

Elderly and immunocompromised patients (e.g., cancer, HIV, low WBC).

What is an Isolation Tray?

Tray used for patients in airborne isolation; meals served on disposable dishes.

How should an isolation tray be disposed of?

Nurse inside the room places the tray in an isolation bag; bag contents are handled at the door by another worker, without touching the bag's outside.

How much antiseptic should be used for handwashing?

3-5 mL.

What should you do if a sterile glove packet is discolored or tampered?

Discard and obtain a new packet.

What is the PPE sequence for putting on?

Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves.

What is the PPE sequence for removing PPE?

Gloves, Gown, Goggles, Mask.

What is a nosocomial infection?

A hospital-acquired infection.

What is active immunity?

Immunity developed after recovery; memory cells provide lasting protection.

What is the next step after giving an injection?

Dispose of the needle in a puncture-resistant sharps container.

If you stick yourself with a contaminated needle, what should you do?

Flush the area with water and clean the wound with soap or a skin disinfectant.

What are Standard Precautions?

Treat everyone as if they have a transmissible disease.

What three factors help protect the body against infection?

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers combat which organisms?

Viruses, yeast, and molds.

How should a patient with active TB be transported for a CT scan?

Place a surgical mask on the patient and notify ahead of time.

How does smoking affect respiratory function?

Reduces chest movement and ciliary function, increasing infection risk.

What technique is used for home self-catheterization?

Clean technique (hand hygiene and clean method).

Why should healthcare workers avoid nail polish and acrylic nails?

To reduce harboring of bacteria and skin injuries; maintain clean, intact nails.

What is a sentinel event?

An unexpected event involving death or serious injury that must be reported.

What is the most common cause of death in a house fire?

Smoke inhalation injuries.

What symptoms are associated with mercury inhalation?

Chest pain, inflammation of the mouth, pneumonitis, weight loss.

What is a safe practice when a patient has waited a long time and may snap?

Stay between the patient and the door for safety.

What is a key strategy for preventing falls?

Identify patients at risk of falling.

What is the recommended bed position for at-risk patients?

Bed in the lowest position; call light within reach.

Where can open wounds be contaminated from least to most?

Irrigate from least contaminated to most contaminated.

What is the Braden Scale used for?

Assess risk of developing pressure injuries.

What does 'floating the heel' involve?

Putting a pillow under the ankle to let the heel dangle and relieve pressure.

Name three common wound dressing types mentioned.

Alginate, Hydrocolloid, and Dry Dressing.

What does non-blanchable redness indicate?

A sign of possible pressure injury; requires frequent turning.

What are normal vital ranges used in assessment?

Refer to standard vitals for age group; rely on trends.

What is the purpose of a complete head-to-toe physical assessment at admission?

To establish a baseline and document vitals and overall status.

What is the function of the Romberg test?

Assess balance and proprioception.

What does the Weber test assess?

Hearing with a tuning fork placed on the forehead.

What does the Rinne test compare?

Air conduction versus bone conduction using a tuning fork.

How is the adult ear examined for hearing testing?

Pull the ear up and back.

What does capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds indicate?

Adequate peripheral perfusion (normal capillary refill).

What is the significance of spoon-shaped nails?

Iron deficiency anemia.

What is strabismus?

Crossed or misaligned eyes.