Q&A: Infection Prevention

IBEC Study Guide; Electrolysis (Pg 121-167)

What is an Intermediate Level Disinfectant?

The highest level of disinfection that can kill TB, Herpes, HIV, HPV, & Hepatitis, regulated by the EPA. Examples of intermediate- level disinfectants include alcohols (70- 90%), quaternary ammonium compounds and phenolics.

Give two examples of Intermediate Level Disinfectants.

Alcohol (70-90%) and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS).

What is a Low Level Disinfectant?

The second level of disinfection that inactivates most bacteria, some viruses, and some fungi but does not inactivate TB or spores.

Describe a High Level Disinfectant.

This is the lowest level of disinfection recommended by the CDC, which inactivates some, but not all bacterial spores, for example, Hydrogen Peroxide.

What are Critical Items in infection control?

Items that are in direct contact with bodily fluids, such as needles and tweezers.

Define Semi-Critical Items.

Items that may be exposed to bodily fluids, such as a probe holder.

What are Non-Critical Items?

Items that have no contact with bodily fluids if the skin is intact, such as an epilator cord or chair.

What does the suffix 'itis' signify?

It signifies inflammation.

What does the suffix 'cide' indicate?

It indicates killing, such as in fungicide.

What does 'ology' refer to?

The study of.

What does 'bio' mean?

Life.

What does 'phillic' mean?

Attracts. Hydrophilic = Attracts water

What does 'phobic' mean?

Repels away.

What does 'lipo' refer to?

'Lipo' refers to fat.

What is an emollient?

A substance that brings oil into the skin.

What are humectants used for?

They bring moisture into the skin.

What does erythema mean?

Redness of the skin.

What is edema?

Swelling.

Why is hand hygiene crucial in preventing infection transmission?

It is one of the most important procedures for preventing the transmission of infection.

What should handwashing technique with liquid soap and warm water include?

Wet hands, apply soap, and rub together for at least 15-30 seconds.

Why should you avoid adding soap to a partially empty soap dispenser?

It can lead to bacterial contamination of the soap.

When should you wash your hands with soap and water instead of using alcohol hand-sanitizer?

When hands are visibly soiled or contaminated.

After how many uses of alcohol-based products should you wash your hands with soap?

After 5-10 uses.

What is transient flora?

Bacteria colonizing superficial layers of the skin, responsive to routine hand washing.

What is resident flora?

Bacteria attached to deeper layers of skin, more resistant to removal.

How can diseases spread through fecal-oral transmission?

Through ingestion of tiny particles of fecal material. This can occur via contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

Examples of diseases spread through fecal-oral transmission are __________.

Hepatitis A, Salmonella, Shigellosis (Dysentery), Norovirus

How can respiratory secretions spread disease?

Through indirect contact via coughing and sneezing.

Is plain soap effective in removing resident flora?

No, plain soap mainly removes transient flora.

What is the concentration range of Triclosan found in antimicrobial soaps?

Usually between .25% to 1.0%, up to 2.0% is tolerated.

Do alcohol-based hand antiseptics kill all pathogens?

No, they do not remove organic debris and visible soil, thus handwashing is required in many situations.

Why should gloves be used in patient treatment?

To prevent heavy contamination of hands. They also reduce the risk of transmitting infections between patients and healthcare providers.

What should be done after removing gloves?

Hands should always be washed.

Where must needles and other sharps be disposed of?

In a CDC compliant sharps container.

What is the purpose of cleaning in decontamination?

Cleaning physically removes debris and reduces the number of microorganisms.

What is the role of the EPA regarding chemical disinfectants?

They regulate disinfectants for environmental surface use.

What is critical for providing protection in healthcare settings?

Immediate decontamination of instruments after use. This helps prevent the spread of infections and ensures patient safety.

How can diseases be spread through saliva?

Diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with saliva via activities such as kissing, sharing utensils, or coughing.

What is a common disease spread through saliva?

Mononucleosis (Mono), also known as the kissing disease, is commonly transmitted through saliva.

How can blood-to-blood contact spread disease?

Diseases can be spread through direct contact with infected blood via cuts, needle sticks, or shared injection equipment.

What is an example of a disease spread through blood contact?

HIV and Hepatitis B are examples of diseases that can be transmitted through blood contact.

What should be done with needles after use?

Needles should be immediately disposed of in a CDC compliant sharps container to prevent injury and disease transmission.

What are Standard Precautions in healthcare?

Standard Precautions are infection control practices that apply to all patients, regardless of diagnosis, to prevent and control the spread of infections.

Why are gloves used in healthcare settings?

Gloves protect healthcare providers and patients from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

What are Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs (ABHRs)?

Disinfectants specifically designed for hand hygiene that are effective against a wide range of pathogens, typically containing 60-95% alcohol.

What is the difference between a disinfectant and an antiseptic?

Disinfectants are used on surfaces to kill pathogens, while antiseptics are applied to skin and tissue.

What is the difference between antiseptic and disinfectant?

Antiseptics are used on living tissues to reduce the risk of infection, while disinfectants are used on inorganic surfaces and inanimate objects to eliminate pathogens.

Are healthcare workers more concerned with transient (superficial) or resident (deeper) flora?

Healthcare workers are more concerned with transient flora, as these microorganisms are more likely to cause infections and are easily transferred between patients.

Which type of hepatitis is through fecal-oral trasmission?

Hepatitis A

What are the four main ways that diseases are spread?

1. Respiratory

2. Fecal-oral

3. Blood

4. Saliva

What is the name of a liquid antimicrobial hand soap?

Triclosan

What substance can eat away at gloves and should not be used after handwashing?

Petroleum

What are diseases that can be spread through respiratory (coughing/sneezing) secretions?

Influenza, RSV, Cold, Strepand COVID-19.

What is the difference between aseptic and antiseptic?

Aseptic = free of germs; antiseptic = skin/living tissue. Aseptic refers to procedures that prevent contamination by pathogens, while antiseptic refers to substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue.

What is a list of aseptic (free of germs) techniques?

1. Sterilization

2. Hand Hygiene (gloves, wash hands, sanitizer)

3. Disinfecting surfaces

4. Cleaning

5. Barriers

What is the difference between acute and chronic?

Acute refers to conditions that develop suddenly and are typically severe in nature, while chronic refers to conditions that persist over a long period of time and may be less severe but are ongoing.

How is Hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B is primarily spread through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Common transmission routes include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth.

How long can Hep B live on surfaces for?

Can survive on surfaces for at least 7 days, remaining infectious during this time.

How is Hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with infected blood. This can occur through sharing needles, unscreened blood transfusions, or from mother to child during childbirth.

How do you correctly clean up a blood spill?

1 part bleach to 10 parts water

What is microbiology?

The study of living organisms

What is Histology?

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

What are spores?

Reproductive structures of fungus that can withstand extreme conditions, allowing organisms like bacteria and fungi to survive. Single Cell.

What are scabs?

A natural bandaid that forms over a wound to protect it during healing.

What is a boil?

A localized infection consisting of a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under the skin due to bacterial infection, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Septicemia is what type of infection?

General Infection, i.e. spreads everywhere

Are eczema blisters contagious?

No, eczema blisters are not contagious and are typically caused by skin inflammation rather than an infection. Herpes blisters ARE contagious.

What are milia?

Closed comedones

Why are antibiotics considered a contraindication in electrolysis and laser?

Some can make you photosensitive (i.e. minocycline) and this you should be cautious as hyperpigmentation is a risk.

Aseptic + sterile =

Germ free

Sanitation vs. Sterilization

Reduces level of bacteria vs. Kills all bacteria (microbial life) including spores

What is QUATS?

QUATS are quaternary ammonium compounds used as disinfectants and antiseptics.

True or false: Gloves are sterile

False

Are endospores reproductive?

No, they are the protective shell of spores (reproductive).

Are non-pathogens considered the minority or majority?

Non-pathogens (non-disease causeing) are considered the majority, as they outnumber pathogenic organisms in various environments.

True or False: HBV is considered more contagious than HIV.

True, HBV is more easily transmitted than HIV, particularly through blood and bodily fluids. It is a major occupational hazard.

Viruses need what to be able to reproduce?

A host.

Antiseptic is used on

living tissue to reduce the possibility of infection. examples are hand sanitizer and witch hazel

Disinfectant is used on

Inanimate surfaces/objects to kill microorganisms, preventing the spread of infection. Examples include bleach and alcohol wipes.

Medical Asepsis is

A clean technique or aseptic technique. The practice of preventing the spread of infection by reducing the number of pathogens. It includes techniques such as hand washing and using clean equipment.

Under steam sterilization total destruction of spores occurs at how many minutes and what temperature?

9 minutes and 250 degrees fahrenheit

True or False: Spores are single celled and reproductive.

True.

Who monitors intermediate and low level disinfectants?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What does color change indicate?

It is a chemical indicator that shows heat requirements were met; sterilization not necessarily met

What must all treatment rooms contain for electrolysis?

Sink, soap, paper towels, sharps container

Hand sanitizer contains what percentage of alcohol?

60-95%

What are symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, fever, vomiting, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements and joint pain. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic.

Is Hepatitis B acute or chronic?

Hepatitis B can be both acute and chronic. Acute infections typically resolve within six months, while chronic infections can last a lifetime and may lead to serious health issues.

Is Hepatitis A acute or chronic?

Hepatitis A is an acute infection that usually resolves within a few months without lasting effects.

Which type of hepatitis does not have a vaccine?

Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine available.

What does hepatitis mean?

Inflammation of the liver.

Who is at risk for hepatitis A?

Individuals with close contact to infected persons, travelers to areas where HepA is common, men who have sexual contact with men, those that use illegal drugs, and having clotting-factor disorders, such as hemophilia

How do most people contract Hepatitis C?

Most people contract it through contact with infected blood, often via sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Before 1992, it was commonly spread through blood transfusions.

Is it possible to contract HepC through getting a tattoo or piercing?

Yes, when poor sanitary conditions are present it is possible.

How long can HepC survive outside the body at room temperature on environmental surfaces?

16hrs to 4 days.

What does “virus” mean?

Poison

The concept of sterilization or reference to the creation of a sterile environment or area refers to

The absolute destruction of any and all forms of life, including bacterial endospores

Steam-under-pressure refers to?

An Autoclave

True or false: Techniques such as boiling will destroy endospores, therefore sterilizing.

False; boiling does not reliably kill bacterial endospores, thus it does not achieve sterilization.

What are the basic shapes of bacteria?

1. Coccus/cocci (round/spherical)

2. Bacillus/Bacilli (rod-shaped; single or chain)

3. Spirillum/spirilla (corkscrew/spiral-shaped; single).