KHS 341 Principles of Patient Care: Bloodborne Pathogens

Flashcards about Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogen

A disease-causing microorganism in human blood that can easily contaminate and cause disease in humans.

Common Workplace Bloodborne Pathogens

Examples include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Hepatitis B (HBV)

A major cause of liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Most Common Transmission of HBV

Through needlestick or injury by sharp instrument; healthcare workers face the greatest risk.

Symptoms of HBV

Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, mild fever, stomach pain, jaundice.

Hepatitis C

Liver disease caused by HCV.

Transmission of Hepatitis C

Spreads most often through drug injections with contaminated needles; may also result from unclean tattoo or body piercing tools or sharing razors.

Symptoms of HCV

Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, weight loss, alcohol intolerance, abdominal pain, loss of concentration, jaundice.

Prevention of HCV

Handle needles and sharps with caution, avoid recreational IV drug use, do not share personal care items, and ensure tattoo/piercing tools are sterile.

HIV

The virus that causes AIDS and damages cells essential to immune function.

Transmission of HIV

Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and other body fluids if blood is present.

Symptoms of HIV

Loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, tiredness, night sweats, inability to fight off infection.

HIV Survival

Compared to HBV, HIV does NOT live long outside the human body and is easily killed with disinfectants.

Body Fluids That Transmit Bloodborne Pathogens

Blood, saliva, mucus, breastmilk, semen, CSF, etc.

Factors Affecting Risk of Infection

Whether pathogens were present, # of pathogens present, type of injury/exposure, and current health/immunization status.

Exposure Control Plan

Directs employees how to respond to exposure; includes exposure incidents, engineering controls, work practice controls, and PPE; must be updated annually and accessible.

Steps if Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogen

Remove contaminated PPE, wash exposed area, flush eyes if contaminated, report to supervisor, and get medical attention.

Engineering Controls

Needleless IV systems, self-sheathing needles/syringes, eyewash stations, hand washing facilities, sharps containers, and biohazard labels.

Where Warning Labels Are Required

Containers for waste, freezers/refrigerators for blood/OPIM, containers for transport/storage, contaminated equipment, and laundry bags.

Work Practice Controls

Using PPE, handwashing, decontaminating/sterilizing equipment, safely handling sharps, correctly disposing of waste, and safely handling laundry.

Decontamination and Sterilization

Using physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy BBP on a surface; sterilize means destroying all microbial life.

Cleaning a Spill

Use paper/absorbent towel, clean area w/ 10% bleach or EPA registered disinfectant, saturate the area and leave for 10 minutes or allow to air dry, properly dispose of materials.

Regulated Waste

Blood/OPIM in liquid/semi-liquid state, items contaminated that could release liquid, items w/ dried blood, contaminated sharps, and lab specimens.

Examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Face masks, gloves, and disposable gowns.

Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions)

Used to avoid contact with blood and body fluids whether or not you are conscious of the presence of a BBP.