Infection Prevention

Flashcards related to infection prevention practices in a healthcare setting.

What items are prohibited in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD)?

Food and drinks are not allowed in the SPD.

Where should lanyards be stored and how often should they be cleaned?

Lanyards should be left at the facility and cleaned regularly.

How should floors in the SPD be cleaned?

Floors should be wet mopped daily and never swept or dust mopped.

What type of cleaning equipment is needed for the decontamination area?

Separate cleaning equipment should be used for the decontamination area.

How often should horizontal surfaces be cleaned in the SPD?

Horizontal surfaces should be cleaned daily or every shift by SPD personnel.

How often should light fixtures and air vents be cleaned?

Light fixtures and air vents should be cleaned at least every six months.

How often should trash be emptied in the SPD?

Trash should be emptied at least daily.

Who is responsible for cleaning sterile storage cabinets, carts, and racks?

SPD technicians handle routine cleaning of sterile storage cabinets, carts, and racks.

What documentation is required for cleaning schedules?

The cleaning schedule and checklist should be documented for each area.

What are the six elements of the chain of infection?

A causative agent, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host.

What is a portal of exit?

The path an infectious agent uses to leave its reservoir (e.g., respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract).

What is a portal of entry?

The path an infectious agent uses to enter a host (e.g., respiratory tract, skin/mucous membranes).

What does biocidal mean?

Capable of killing living organisms (e.g., bleach).

List the order for donning PPE.

1. Gown 2. Mask 3. Face Shield/Goggles 4. Shoe Covers

List the order for doffing PPE.

1. Shoe Covers 2. Gown and Gloves 3. Face Shield 4. Mask 5. Gloves 6. Head Cover 7. Wash Hands

Why is clear separation between clean and dirty areas vital in the SPD?

To prevent cross-contamination and maintain sterile conditions.

How are air pressures used in the SPD to prevent contamination?

Positive and negative air pressures are used to prevent airborne bacteria from moving from dirty areas to clean ones.

What type of air pressure is maintained in the decontamination area and why?

The decontamination area is at negative pressure, so air flows from clean to dirty areas, ensuring contaminants don't flow back into clean areas.

What measures should be taken to maintain air pressure balance?

Doors and windows between areas should stay closed when not in use.

What did the CDC report about Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) in 2015?

Approximately 687,000 hospitalized patients contracted an HAI, and about 72,000 died due to it.

What is Asepsis?

Asepsis refers to the absence of disease-causing microorganisms. (Different from Sterile which means the absence of ALL microorganisms)

What is the function of aseptic techniques?

Aseptic techniques prevent infections and break the chain of infection.

What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis?

Medical Asepsis (clean technique): Reduces the spread of microorganisms. Surgical Asepsis (sterile technique): Eliminates all microorganisms.

What are the fingernail requirements for personnel in the SPD?

Fingernails should be short (no longer than your fingertips) without polish or artificial nails, to prevent contamination.

What type of attire should SPD technicians wear?

Technicians should wear clean scrub attire provided by the healthcare facility and not wear them outside.

What should be done with scrub attire that has been contaminated?

Scrub attire should be changed daily or when contaminated.

What should be the coverage of T-shirts worn under scrubs?

T-shirts should be completely covered by the scrub top.

What are disposable clothing covers sometimes called?

Bunny suit.

What type of labels should be used to identify contaminated items?

Use fluorescent orange or orange-red biohazard labels to identify contaminated items.

How should sharp items be disposed of?

Disposal of all sharp items in rigid, puncture-proof containers that are covered and properly labeled or color-coded.

What aspects of the SPD should be controlled and enforced?

Traffic in the SPD should be controlled, and dress codes should be enforced.

Traffic control areas: Restricted

Where surgical procedures happen and SPD decontamination area.

Attire: Restricted

Surgical scrub attire, hair coverings, masks, sterile surgical gowns, and gloves are mandatory.

Traffic control areas: Semi-restricted

Peripheral support areas to the operating room (Most of SPD).

Attire: Semi-restricted

Surgical scrub attire and hair coverings are required.

Traffic control areas: Unrestricted

General areas like corridors, offices, and public spaces.

Attire: Unrestricted

Street clothes are permitted here.