Infection Control and Glove Usage Flashcards

Flashcards about infection control, cleaning, and glove usage in the context of esthetics, based on lecture notes.

What is the benefit of using enzymatic detergents?

Enzymatic detergents are biodegradable and can be used instead of alkaline or acidic products.

How does temperature affect enzymatic detergents?

Temperatures above 104°F (40°C) can affect the detergent's chemical reaction. Too cool temperatures may fail to activate the enzyme.

Why is instrument lubrication important?

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

When is instrument lubrication performed?

After cleaning and disinfection, but before sterilization.

Why is it important to follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations for lubrication solution?

To ensure proper contact time and dilution.

What is the most common method of verifying the cleaning process?

Meticulous visual inspection.

What are the limitations of disinfectants?

Disinfectants cannot make something sterile (free from all living organisms) and are not antiseptics (chemicals used on living tissue).

What usage parameters determine if disinfecting is done correctly?

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

What can hinder the effectiveness of disinfectants?

Dirt, debris, product residue, and organic matter can dilute, contaminate, or deactivate the active ingredients in the disinfectant.

How does the type and number of microorganisms affect the effectiveness of disinfectants?

Some microorganisms are more resistant to liquid disinfectants than others.

What is necessary for an item to be disinfected properly?

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

What are some characteristics of glove breakdown?

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

What are the potential issues with powdered gloves?

Defeat the intent of barrier protection, cause dermatitis, and absorb/aerosolize chemicals.

What information should be included on glove labels?

Vinyl, nitrile, or some other synthetic material.

What aspect of adhesives should be considered when selecting gloves?

Tape or adhesive label contact which can cause microscopic tears in the material.

Why are clumps and debris on gloves a concern?

Clumps and debris may indicate a weakened area of the glove that can fracture during use.

Why is proper glove-donning technique important?

Reduced chances of contaminating the glove; avoid excessive stretching.

What mindset should trained professionals have regarding infection control?

Appropriately trained professionals should feel uncomfortable if they have not washed their hands or put on gloves.

What is the difference between cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing reusable equipment?

Cleaning is the manual removal of visible blood or OPIM; decontamination involves using chemical disinfectants; sterilization ensures the complete destruction of any organisms.

Explain the relationship between cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing reusable equipment.

You can clean without disinfecting, but you cannot disinfect without cleaning first. You can clean without sterilizing, but you cannot sterilize without cleaning first.

What factors influence the effectiveness of cleaning equipment?

Water quality, soap or detergent (quality and type), acceptable washing method, proper rinsing and drying.

Why is it important to remove gross debris as soon as possible during cleaning?

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

What are the benefits of using Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) gloves?

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

What are the characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC/Vinyl) gloves?

Good puncture resistance, resistant to oxidation, acids, alkalis, fats, and some alcohols.

What are the characteristics of nitrile gloves?

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

What are the characteristics of chloroprene (neoprene) gloves?

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

What are the characteristics of Thermoplastic Elastomers (Polyurethane and Styrene-Based) gloves?

Higher tensile strength, better stretch properties, and an increased soft feel over some other synthetics; exhibits superior resistance to abrasion, cracking, and oxidation compared to NRL.

What are some personal preferences regarding gloves?

Powdered, powder-free, or synthetic; latex versus nonlatex; low residual chemical levels; colored gloves have a higher chemical level in order to produce the color of the glove when compared with noncolored gloves.

What quality assurance measures should you look for when buying gloves?

Quality assurance measures taken by the manufacturer and assurance that the gloves meet the ASTM F 1671 standard for barrier protection against the penetration of bloodborne pathogens Note: Gloves are not completely resistant to pathogens.

What are the three distinct reactions that can be attributed to an NRL allergy?

Irritant dermatitis, Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity, and Type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity.

What are some causes of irritant dermatitis?

Improper hand washing techniques, poor hand hygiene, soaps, lotions, contact with disinfectants, and the wearing of latex gloves.

What are the characteristics of Type I (Immediate) Hypersensitivity?

The powders used to coat latex gloves may absorb the latex proteins and can come in contact with mucous membranes. Symptoms include itching, hives, asthma, and anaphylaxis.

What are the characteristics of Type IV (Delayed) Hypersensitivity?

The delayed reaction can take place within minutes and up to several hours after contact. Some of the symptoms include itching, sores, and drying skin.

How to prepare when your client has a latex allergy

Remove all latex gloves from the room and then clean the room using an EPA-registered disinfectant and synthetic (nonlatex) gloves.

What is allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)?

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

How should gloves be selected?

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