Infection Control and Standard Precautions

A set of practice questions based on the PH Basic 103 Infection Control lecture notes covering standard precautions, PPE, hand hygiene, and sepsis.

What is the most common pathogen found in the healthcare environment?

$$\textit{Staphylococcus aureus}$$

What are the three most common groups identified as susceptible hosts in the chain of infection?

Elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals.

What concept are Standard Precautions based upon?

The concept that all blood, body fluids, nonintact skin (including rashes), and mucous membranes may contain transmissible pathogens.

According to OSHA, what products are included in the definition of blood?

Human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood.

List at least five examples of Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM).

Semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, and saliva in dental procedures.

Under what three specific conditions must hands be washed with soap and water rather than using sanitizer?

1. When hands are visibly soiled; 2. After caring for a person with known or infectious diarrhea; 3. After known or suspected exposure to spores (e.g., $\textit{B. anthracis}$ or $\textit{C. difficile}$ outbreaks).

What is the required length for natural nail tips in a healthcare setting?

Natural nail tips should be kept less than $\frac{1}{4}$ inch long.

How long should the handwashing process with soap and water take to be effective?

$15$ to $20$ seconds.

What is the recommended duration for scrubbing hands and forearms during surgical hand antisepsis with antimicrobial soap?

$2$ to $6$ minutes.

When are healthcare providers required to wear a surgical mask during a specific spinal procedure?

When performing lumbar punctures, placing a catheter, or injecting material into the spinal canal/subdural space to prevent transfer of oral flora.

What is the recommended physical distance to separate patients with respiratory infection symptoms from the general population?

$6$ feet.

Define the 'scoop' method for recapping a needle.

Place the cap on a horizontal surface, slide the needle into the cap with one hand, tip the needle up to let the cap slide down, and secure the cap with the same hand.

At what level should a sharps container be replaced?

When it is filled to the fill line or $2/3$ full.

Distinguish between Engineering Controls and Work Practice Controls.

Engineering Controls protect workers by removing hazards (e.g., sharps containers, self-sheathing needles). Work Practice Controls reduce exposure by changing the way a task is performed (e.g., hand hygiene technique).

What are the three categories of medical items based on the Spaulding classification for reprocessing?

1. Noncritical (contact with intact skin); 2. Semicritical (contact with mucous membranes/nonintact skin); 3. Critical (enters sterile tissue or vascular system).

What type of PPE is required upon entry into a room for a patient on Contact Precautions?

Gown and gloves.

Droplet Precautions are used for pathogens transmitted by particles of what size?

Large-particle droplets greater than $5$ microns in size.

What are the two mandatory environmental/PPE requirements for Airborne Precautions?

A negative-pressure Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR) and the use of an N95 respirator.

What is the infectious period for SARS-CoV-2 as defined in the transcript?

From $2$ days before symptoms start until $10$ days after symptoms stop (or a $5$-day negative test).

What does the acronym DART stand for in sepsis management?

Detect, Act, Reassess, and Titrate.

What is the average mortality rate for patients who progress to septic shock?

$$30 \% \times 40 \%$$

According to CDC guidelines, how many doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine should be given, and what is the schedule?

Three doses: Second dose $1$ month after the first, and the third dose $6$ months after the first.

What is the preferred three-drug regimen for HIV occupational Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

Truvada (emtricitabine plus tenofovir) once a day, plus either raltegravir (twice a day) or dolutegravir (once a day).

How soon should HIV PEP be initiated following an exposure?

As soon as possible, ideally within $2$ hours, and not recommended after $72$ hours.