[TEST] Hand hygiene

Which statement is inaccurate regarding microbial contamination of hands?

A. Microbes recovered from hands can be divided into two categories: transient and resident organisms.

B. Transient microorganisms are responsible for most HAIs.

C. Resident organisms are attached to deeper layers of the skin are less likely to be associated with HAIs.

D. Transient microorganisms are rarely responsible for an HAI.

Which statement is not associated with the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens from one patient to another via the hands of HCP?

A. Organisms present on the patient’s skin or mucous membranes, or on contaminated instruments, equipment, and environmental surfaces contaminate the hands of HCP.

B. Organisms on the hands of HCP must be capable of surviving for at least several hours.

C. HCP perform inadequate hand hygiene or use an inappropriate hand hygiene product.

D. Contaminated hands come in direct contact with another patient, or with an inanimate object that will come into direct contact with the patient.

Which statement inaccurately describes the use of gloves in healthcare settings?

A. To prevent or reduce the risk of occupational exposure, the standard of care mandates that HCP wear gloves.

B. Wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for appropriate hand hygiene practices.

C. Bacterial flora colonizing patients have not been recovered from the hands of HCP who wore gloves during patient contact.

D. Pathogens can be transmitted via small defects in gloves or by contamination of the hands during glove removal.

Which statement is an exception with respect to detergents and antiseptic agents?

A. Detergents contain esterified fatty acids and sodium or potassium hydroxide and are often referred to as “soaps.”

B. Detergent formulations used in healthcare settings should have a broad antibacterial spectrum, be fast acting, and should have persistent or residual activity.

C. The cleaning activity of plain soap results in the removal of dirt, soil, and various organic substances from the hands.

D. Only ethanol, 60 to 95% formulations; and povidone iodine, 5 to 10% formulations, meet the test and product labeling requirements as antiseptic agents.

Which of the following statements related to handwashing is incorrect?

A. Handwashing is washing hands with water and plain soap that does not contain an antimicrobial agent or contains low concentrations effective solely as preservatives.

B. Handwashing is not recommended for routine hand hygiene in clinical situations when the hands are visibly soiled with blood, and/or OPIM.

C. Following handwashing, the hands must be dried thoroughly; it is of note that organisms are transferred in larger numbers from wet versus dried hands.

D. Antimicrobial-impregnated wipes (i.e., towelettes) may be considered as an acceptable alternative to handwashing.

Which statements inaccurately describes antiseptic handwashing?

A. Povidone iodine, 5 to 10% formulations, is considered safe and effective for use in antiseptic handwash.

B. Antiseptic handwash removes or destroys transient microorganisms and reduces the resident hand flora.

C. Antiseptic handwash is an acceptable alternative to handwashing when the hands are visibly soiled.

D. The use of antimicrobial-impregnated wipes is an acceptable alternative to antiseptic handwash.

Which statement is uncharacteristic of antiseptic handrub?

A. Antiseptic handrub is defined as applying a waterless antiseptic agent to the hands.

B. Antiseptic handrub removes or destroys transient microorganisms and reduces the resident flora.

C. Antiseptic handrub is the preferred method for routine hand hygiene when the hands are visibly soiled.

D. The concurrent use of an alcohol-based handrub and an iodophor-based antimicrobial soap is contraindicated.

Which does not accurately describe the process of surgical hand antisepsis?

A. Performing surgical hand antisepsis by scrubbing the hands/forearms with a brush for 10 minutes can damage skin and result in increased shedding of microorganisms.

B. Scrubbing the hands/forearms with a brush or a sponge for 2 to 3 minutes reduces microbial counts to acceptable levels.

C. Surgical hand antisepsis is defined as performing either a two-stage surgical hand antisepsis or surgical antiseptic handwash with povidone iodine.

D. In a two-stage surgical hand antisepsis, antiseptic handrub with an alcohol-based formulation containing 0.5% to 1% chlorhexidine gluconate is preferred.

Which is the least important consideration when purchasing a hand hygiene product?

A. The primary factor influencing product selection should be cost.

B. The general reliability of the dispenser system.

C. The functional reliability to deliver an appropriate volume of the product.

D. For alcohol-based formulations, confirm that the container is flame-resistant.

Which should not be considered when selecting and/or handling hand hygiene products?

A. Solicit information from manufacturers regarding any known interactions between hand hygiene products, skin care products, and the type of gloves used in the facility.

B. Store hand care products in disposable or reusable closed containers.

C. Always “top off” partially empty soap dispensers at the end of each day.

D. To maximize acceptance of hand hygiene products solicit input from HCP regarding fragrance (smell), consistency (“feel”), skin tolerance, and color.

Which statement is uncharacteristic of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)?

A. Associated with the frequent and repeated use of hand-hygiene products.

B. ICD is an immunologically mediated dermatitis.

C. Dryness, itchiness, or burning; the skin may feel “rough;” and appear erythematous, scaly, or fissured.

D. Signs and symptoms of ICD are similar to those associated with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Which statement is inaccurate regarding skin irritation resulting from hand hygiene?

A. Factors that contribute to ICD include using hot water, scrubbing, the quality of paper towels used, wearing and removing gloves, and low relative humidity (winter months).

B. ICD is most commonly reported with iodophors.

C. Alcohol-based handrubs are the safest antiseptics available and ethanol is usually less irritating than isopropanol.

D. To minimize the likelihood of ICD, washing hands with soap and water after each use of alcohol-based handrub is highly recommended.

Which statement is incorrect regarding the development of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)?

A. ACD is a T cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity reaction (Gell and Coombs Type IV).

B. ACD is caused primarily by fragrances and preservatives; and less commonly by emulsifiers found in hand-hygiene products.

C. ACD with alcohol-based products is quite common, but ACD with iodophors is rare.

D. ACD usually begins as a rash, redness, and itching that may progress to oozing skin blisters and may spread to areas of skin untouched by the product.

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement in its How-to Guide: Improving Hand Hygiene recommends a multidimensional approach, e.g., introduction of alcohol-based handrub, and educational, and behavioral initiatives, to improve compliance with hand hygiene guidelines.

A. True

B. False

Which statement incorrectly describes the Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care published in 2016?

A. The document was published by OSHA and is updated annually.

B. Includes an Appendix, Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings.

C. Section I.5, Hand Hygiene, provides a tool to monitor institutional compliance with administrative measures.

D. Section II.1, Hand Hygiene is Practiced Correctly, is an evaluation tool to monitor compliance by direct observation of OHCP.

its by the CDC