Infection Control and General Science Flashcards

Flashcards on infection control and general science.

Detergent

Removes dissolved particles from the instrument's surface.

Enzymatic detergents

Are biodegradable and can be used in place of highly alkaline or acidic products that may harm instruments.

Water Temperatures

Above 104°F (40°C) can affect the detergent's chemical reaction; too cool may not activate the enzyme.

Instrument lubrication

Helps maintain the integrity of the instruments and keep them in good working order.

Instrument lubrication

Is performed after the cleaning and disinfection process, but before sterilization , applied, dipped, or sprayed.

Lubrication solution

Must follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations and be appropriate for each instrument.

Cleaning brushes

Tool important in the cleaning process; correct size must be used for the equipment being cleaned.

Verifying the Cleaning Process

A meticulous visual inspection of tools and equipment upon completion.

Presence of visible residue

Indicates that the cleaning parameters were not achieved, and the implement should be recleaned.

Disinfectants

Cannot make something sterile or be used on living tissue.

Disinfecting Usage Parameters

Contact time, dilution rate, water conditions, product use life, and temperature

Thorough cleaning

The first and most important step in any disinfection or sterilization process.

Dirt, debris, product residue, and organic matter

Can dilute, contaminate, or deactivate the active ingredients in the disinfectant.

Excessive moisture

Must be removed from tools and equipment before disinfection.

Microorganisms

Some are more resistant to liquid disinfectants than others; tubercule bacillus is more resistant than some common vegetative organisms.

Item Disinfection

All surfaces must come in direct contact with the disinfecting agent for a specified amount of time.

Characteristics of Glove Breakdown

Hardening, loss of strength, softening, loss of tear resistance, tackiness, loss of elasticity, cracking.

Everyday Practices Affecting Glove Barrier

Choosing powdered gloves, inability to rapidly identify glove material, glove size, adhesives.

Powdered Gloves

Transport infectious microorganisms, cause dermatitis, absorb and aerosolize chemicals.

Selection of Glove Size

A full range of sizes should be available to accommodate all staff.

Factors to Consider for Glove Fit

Glove length, width, finger contour, and thumb position.

Glove-Donning Technique

Putting gloves on appropriately to reduce chances of contamination.

Cleaning

Cleaning is the manual removal of visible blood or OPIM using soap and water or detergent and water.

Decontamination

Decontamination involves chemical disinfectants to further remove OPIM and destroy most pathogens.

Sterilization

Sterilization ensures the complete destruction of any organisms on a tool's surface.

Cleaning Equipment

Removing all visible soil, debris, and foreign material from tools and equipment.

Gross Debris Removal Accomplishments

Reduce the number of microorganisms, nutrient material, potential for environmental contamination, and minimize damage to devices.

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

Has long-standing barrier qualities, is strong and durable, and has a reseal quality against puncture resistance.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC/Vinyl)

Has good puncture resistance, is resistant to oxidation, acids, alkalis, fats, and some alcohols, but has poor resistance to most organic solvents.

Nitrile

Is often resistant to many chemicals and oil-based products and has good tensile strength and puncture resistance.

Chloroprene (Neoprene)

Contains processing chemicals similar to NRL and thus provoke ACD responses; good elastomeric properties and exhibits good resistance to chemicals, oils, and fats.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (Polyurethane and Styrene-Based)

Not vulcanized like NRL, but gains its final rubberlike properties during cooling or solvent evaporation.

Glove Selection Factors

Sensitivity varies on stresses, practitioner/client sensitivity, personal preferences, quality assurance, and availability of test data.

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL)

Contains a variety of proteins that may cause allergic reactions.

Irritant Dermatitis

A nonallergenic response to NRL; caused by improper hand washing, soaps, lotions, disinfectants, and latex gloves.

Type I (Immediate) Hypersensitivity

An allergenic reaction to protein(s) within latex gloves; symptoms include itching, hives, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

Type IV (Delayed) Hypersensitivity

An allergenic response caused by chemicals in latex and synthetic gloves; symptoms include itching, sores, and drying skin.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)

Is an immune-mediated inflammation of the skin that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a chemical allergen.

ACD depends

Individual susceptibility, exposure history, and the allergenic potential of the chemical(s).

Glove-Testing Methods

Select gloves based on the type of chemicals and exposure to which they will be subjected.