NHA CCMA INFECTION CONTROL

Why did CDC introduce universal precautions?

Growing HIV and HBV cases

Chain of infection

Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host

Medical asepsis

"Clean technique"

Used daily in every clinical setting; consists of the removal of microorganisms after they leave the body; goal is to reduce the number of microorganisms and prohibit their growth/reduce changes of disease transmission

Does NOT eliminate all possibility of pathogen presence

Protects healthcare worker more than patient

Handwashing, clean workspaces and supplies

Surgical asepsis

"Sterile technique"

Removal of all microorganisms and must be used during invasive procedures/when there is penetration of patient's skin or mucous membranes; goal is to eliminate microorganisms from entering the body

Protects the pt more than the healthcare worker

Sterile gloves, gowns, drapes; antiseptic skin preparation

Nail length

0.64 cm (0.25 in) past tip of finger

How long to wash hands

20 seconds

3 most important factors when hand washing

Friction, warm running water, soap

Minimum alcohol content for hand sanitizer

60%

Sanitization

Reduces number of microbes to a lower, safer level

1st step to assure equipment is clean, helpful when there is visible debris so that they can undergo disinfection and sterilization processes

Must wear gloves (utility gloves if there are sharps)

Disinfection

Process of destroying pathogens on a surface/equipment (NOT patients!)

May not destroy all microbial spores but reduces spread of infection by destroying/limiting microbial activity

Glutaraldehyde (long submersion time) or 1:10 bleach solution

Sterilization

Destruction of all pathogens and their spores; necessary for surgical asepsis

Dry heat, gas, chemicals, UV/ionizing radiation, steam under pressure in an autoclave

Can buy sterilized packaged equipment or establish sterilization space

Autoclave

Piece of equipment used to sterilize articles by way of steam under pressure and/or dry heat (250 F) for 30 mins

Organize packages loosely without touching walls (space btwn packages allows optimal steam penetration)

Disinfection and sterilization of endoscopes

1. Pre-clean (wipe and soak after removal from the pt)

2. Leak test (to determine if there is damage)

3. Manual clean (to remove debris)

4. Rinse after cleaning (to remove debris and cleaning solution)

5. High level disinfection (manual or automated w/ high-level disinfectant)

6. Rinse after high-level disinfection

7. Drying (rinse with alcohol and dry with forced air, store vertically in clean environment)

How would you dispose an item that comes into contact with blood or body fluids such as gloves, gauze, or bandages?

Red biohazard leak-proof polyethylene or polypropylene bag

How would you dispose of sharps such as scalpels or needles?

Biohazard sharps container

DO NOT RECAP THE NEEDLE

When 2/3 full, seal it and place in designated area for disposal

The characteristics of a chemical used in the workplace can be documented in what resource?

Safety data sheet (SDS)

Otoscope

sanitize only

Opthalmoscope

sanitize only

Stethoscope

sanitize only

Pen light

sanitize only

Tuning fork

sanitize only

Nasal specula

sanitize and disinfect

Laryngoscope

sanitize and disinfect

Glassware

sanitize and disinfect

EKG electrodes

Sanitize and disinfect

Surgical equipment

sanitize, disinfect, sterilize

Gown is used for

contact precautions

Mask is used for

Droplet precautions

Goggles are used for

Droplet precautions

N95 mask is used for

airborne precautions

PPE for scabies

gown

PPE for hepatitis A

gown

PPE for rotavirus

gown

PPE for herpes/varicella zoster (shingles/chickenpox)

gown

PPE for mumps

mask

PPE for rubella

mask

PPE for pertussis

mask

PPE for meningitis

goggles

PPE for influenza

goggles

PPE for TB

N95

PPE for measles

N95

Open sharps container found on top of linen hamper

Dispose of contents as biohazard b/c attempt to clean linens risks needle stick injury

Can't report to OSHA unless known exposure occurs

Double bag

Used linens

Spots or stains on instruments

Mineral deposits

Improper cleaning of the autoclave

Corrosion

Clogged chamber drain

Damp linens

Exposure to hard chemicals

Corrosion

When to protect yourself from HIV

ALL THE TIME