Infection Control in Healthcare Settings

These flashcards are designed to help students review essential concepts related to infection control in healthcare settings, focusing on asepsis, hand hygiene, and sanitization practices.

What is the main goal of infection control in a hospital setting?

To ensure cleanliness and protect patients and healthcare workers from harmful contamination.

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What technique is primarily used to create a clean environment in healthcare?

Aseptic technique.

What are the two categories of asepsis?

Medical asepsis and surgical asepsis.

What does HAI stand for?

Healthcare Associated Infections.

What are nosocomial infections?

Infections that patients get while they are in a hospital or healthcare facility.

What is the most common method of transmission for HAIs?

On the hands of healthcare workers.

List the basic practices designed to prevent the spread of infection.

1) Medical Asepsis, 2) Surgical Asepsis, 3) Barrier Methods, 4) Isolation/Quarantine.

What is medical asepsis?

Techniques used to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their growth.

What are the primary processes involved in medical asepsis?

Soap & water, antiseptics, and disinfectants.

What is the goal of medical asepsis?

To remove pathogenic microbes from surfaces, equipment, and the hands of healthcare workers.

What are the three techniques used in medical asepsis?

Sanitization, antisepsis, and disinfection.

What is sanitization?

Cleaning practices that physically remove microorganisms.

Provide an example of sanitization practices.

Hand washing, providing clean linen, and proper disposal of garbage.

What is antisepsis?

A process that kills microbes or stops them from growing.

What is disinfection?

The use of stronger chemicals to kill pathogens.

What items are typically disinfected?

Non-living objects that come into contact with bodily fluids.

What is necessary before sterilizing an object?

It must be sanitized and free of organic matter.

What equipment is used to sterilize items?

Autoclaves and steamers.

What is the most important method for minimizing the spread of infection?

Hand washing.

What are the two types of microbes found on a person's hands?

Resident/normal flora and transient flora.

What is resident flora?

Microbes that are naturally present on a person’s skin.

What is transient flora?

Microbes picked up from touching contaminated objects or persons.

What is the significance of proper hand washing techniques?

To thoroughly remove transient flora and prevent infection spread.

Name one situation in healthcare that requires specific handwashing techniques.

In the operation theatre or intensive care units.

What should healthcare workers avoid wearing during handwashing?

All jewelry, including rings, chains, and bracelets.

What is one downside of frequent hand washing?

Dry hands that may crack, allowing microbes to enter the skin.

What is an acceptable alternative to hand washing in specific situations?

Alcohol-based hand rubs.

What concentration of alcohol is effective in hand sanitizers?

At least 60% ethanol or ethyl alcohol.

Describe the proper sequence of steps for hand washing.

Wet hands, apply soap, rub all areas, rinse, and dry with a paper towel.

What should you do after washing your hands?

Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

What is the proper technique for applying soap during hand washing?

Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.

How should you rinse your hands?

From wrist to fingertips, with hands pointed down.

How should you dry your hands?

With a paper towel from fingertips to wrist.

What are some principles for practicing medical asepsis?

Good hand hygiene, keeping soiled items away from clothing, and avoiding patient breath on others.

What should healthcare workers avoid doing with soiled linen?

Placing it on the floor.

What is the recommended action when disposing of bath water or mouth rinse?

Pour it directly into the drain to avoid splattering.

How should cleaning be conducted in healthcare settings?

From clean to dirty.

Why should healthcare workers prevent raising dust?

To minimize the spread of pathogens.

How does cleaning eating utensils relate to medical asepsis?

It helps physically remove pathogens before disinfection.

What cleaning agent can be used for disinfecting non-living objects?

Disinfectants.

What is a key change healthcare workers should make to their personal hygiene?

Avoid long nails and nail polish.

What happens when you shake linen?

It can raise dust and spread pathogens.

What is the effect of soaking jewelry in water before reuse?

It leads to potential contamination after hand washing.

What is the best way to operate a faucet after washing hands?

Use a paper towel or elbow to turn it off.

What is the common instructional cue to remember while washing hands?

Keep hands pointed down to ensure water runs off properly.

What type of linen should healthcare workers avoid using?

Soiled linen on the floor.

Why is it important to clean surfaces regularly in a hospital?

To prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sanitary environment.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning removes dirt and particles; disinfecting kills pathogens.

What step in hand washing ensures thorough coverage of hands?

Rotational rubbing and thorough interlacing of fingers.

What can lead to increased skin infections among healthcare workers?

Cracking skin from frequent hand washing.

Why is it advisable to remove jewelry before hand washing?

To prevent microbes trapped on the jewelry from contaminating hands.

How does the use of antiseptics in healthcare settings contribute to infection control?

They effectively kill or inhibit the growth of pathogens.