CH 16 – Infection Control Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering PPE, hand hygiene, instrument categories, and disinfectant levels from CH 16 lecture notes.

Gloves (PPE)

Disposable hand coverings; put on a new pair for every patient and discard immediately after use.

Mask (PPE)

Face covering changed between patients or whenever it becomes visibly soiled.

Protective Eyewear (PPE)

Safety glasses or face shields worn to protect eyes from splashes and debris during procedures.

Handwashing – Key Times

Required before treating each patient, before leaving the operatory, after contact with contaminated items, and whenever hands are visibly soiled.

Critical Instruments

Devices that penetrate soft tissue or bone; they must be heat-sterilized between uses.

Semi-Critical Instruments

Items that contact mucous membranes without penetrating; should be heat-sterilized or treated with high-level disinfectant.

Non-Critical Instruments

Objects that contact only intact skin; cleaned with intermediate- or low-level disinfectant.

High-Level Disinfectant

Agent capable of killing bacterial spores; used on heat-sensitive items.

Intermediate-Level Disinfectant

Agent that kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis; recommended for surfaces contaminated with blood or saliva.

Low-Level Disinfectant

Agent that kills some bacteria and viruses but not TB or spores; used for general housekeeping surfaces.