Infection Control, Aseptic Procedures, Communicable Diseases, and Regulatory Agencies

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering infection control, levels of aseptic control, PPE donning and doffing, standard/bloodborne/expanded precautions, pathology and treatment of communicable diseases, and international, national, state, and local regulatory healthcare agencies.

What is the definition of asepsis?

Asepsis is the absence of pathogens.

What is the definition of sterile?

Sterile means free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; totally clean.

What are the three main types of aseptic control methods used to control the spread of infection?

Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization.

What is antisepsis, and what is its most effective technique?

Antisepsis prevents or inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms on the skin. Handwashing is the most effective technique.

Are antiseptic agents like alcohol and betadine effective against spores or viruses?

No, antisepsis is not effective against spores or viruses.

Where is disinfection applied, and what does it destroy?

Disinfection destroys pathogenic organisms already present on non-living objects, equipment (such as IV poles), and floors. It is not used on skin.

What is sterilization, and on what materials is it used?

Sterilization kills all microorganisms, including spores and viruses. It is used on objects and instruments, never on skin.

What process does an autoclave use to sterilize equipment and supplies?

An autoclave uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies.

What process do ultrasonic cleaners use to clean complicated stainless steel devices?

They use cavitation, a process where sound waves force bubbles in fluid to fluctuate in size or shape, picking up and carrying away contaminated particles.

What size border around the edge of a sterile field is considered contaminated?

A border of $2\,\text{inches}$ around the sterile field is considered contaminated.

What are three essential rules for maintaining a sterile field?

Never reach across or turn your back on the sterile field, keep the sterile field dry, and consider it contaminated if in doubt.

What three techniques can be used to add items to a sterile tray or field?

The drop technique, mitten technique, and transfer forceps.

What is pre-cleaning in an aseptic healthcare setting?

Pre-cleaning aims to promptly remove visible soil from reusable medical devices, environmental surfaces, and medical equipment.

What is the correct sequence for donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

1. Gown first, 2. Mask or respirator, 3. Goggles or face shield, 4. Gloves last.

What is the correct sequence for removing (doffing) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

1. Gloves, 2. Face shield or goggles, 3. Gown, 4. Mask or respirator.

How should an isolation gown be donned if a single gown is too small?

Use two gowns: Gown #1 ties in front, and Gown #2 ties in back.

What are the contaminated and clean areas of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

The contaminated area is the outside front; clean areas include the inside, outside back, and ties on the head and back.

Where and when should a particulate respirator (N95 mask) be removed relative to the patient's room?

Remove the respirator outside the patient room after the door has been closed.

How is a user fit check performed after donning a particulate respirator?

Inhale to confirm the respirator collapses, and exhale to check for leakage around the face.

What are Standard Precautions?

Basic infection prevention practices developed by the CDC that are used on all patients all the time where potential contact with blood or body fluids exists.

What are the guidelines regarding needle recapping and sharps disposal?

Never recap needles, handle sharp instruments with care, and dispose of all needles and sharp objects in a designated sharps container without overfilling or searching through it.

Why must hands be washed with soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub after contact with a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?

Alcohol-based hand rubs do not kill C. diff spores; hands must be washed with soap and water to physically remove the spores.

What are Contact Precautions and what PPE is required?

Precautions used for diseases transmitted by direct or indirect contact; required PPE includes a gown and gloves for contact with the patient or environment of care.

What distance defines the requirement for wearing a surgical mask under Droplet Precautions?

Healthcare workers must wear a surgical mask when within $3\,\text{feet}$ of the patient.

What room setup and respirator type are required for Airborne Precautions?

A private negative pressure room with special ventilation (door kept closed) and a fit-tested particulate respirator (N95 mask) or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR).

What causes Hepatitis B, and how is it transmitted?

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmitted by direct contact when blood, semen, or body fluids enter an uninfected person's body.

What prevention protocol is administered to infants born to HBV-infected mothers within $12\,\text{hours}$ of birth?

Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG).

Which cells of the immune system are targeted by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?

CD4 cells (commonly called T cells).

What modes of contact transmit HIV, and what non-transmitting methods are explicitly identified?

Transmitted by direct contact (unprotected sex, sharing needles, blood contact, mother-to-baby during pregnancy or birth). NOT transmitted by air, water, saliva, sweat, tears, closed-mouth kissing, insects, pets, or sharing toilets, food, or drinks.

What are Koplik spots and with which communicable disease are they associated?

Koplik spots are tiny white spots inside the mouth that appear as an early symptom of Rubeola (measles).

What diagnostic procedure is used to sample fluid for suspected bacterial meningitis?

A lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap) to collect blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and how is it treated?

MRSA is a staph infection resistant to some antibiotics, treated with oral or IV antibiotics (such as Vancomycin) for $7\,\text{to}\,10\,\text{days}$ and Incision and Drainage for purulent skin infections.

How should non-washable items contaminated with head lice (Pediculosis Capitis) be disinfected?

Sealed in plastic bags for $2\,\text{weeks}$ (lice die within $2\,\text{days}$, and nits hatch and die within $2\,\text{weeks}$).

During proper handwashing, for how long should a healthcare professional rub all surfaces of their hands together?

For at least $20\,\text{seconds}$.

What are the primary functions of the World Health Organization (WHO)?

An international agency that assesses health trends, compiles disease statistics, investigates global health problems, and publishes health information.

What are the core functions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

A national agency that implements disease prevention policies, maintains national disease statistics, monitors disease spread and control, and oversees environmental control, immunizations, and workplace safety.

What are the regulatory responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Regulates the safety of food and cosmetics, as well as the safety and efficacy of drugs, biological products, and medical devices.

What is the main responsibility of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in healthcare?

Creating and implementing workplace job safety standards, including regulations for PPE, bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, and ergonomics.

What is the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)?

A state agency in North Carolina providing adoption, Medicaid, deaf/blind services, mental health, emergency services, food and nutrition services, and vital records.

What services are provided by a local or county health department?

Communicable disease control, health inspections, immunizations, laboratory services, oral health, maternal and child health, health education, and local vital statistics.