Bloodborne Pathogens Flashcards

What is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the context of bloodborne pathogen exposure?

Answer: Antiretroviral medications taken after a potential HIV exposure to prevent infection

PEP consists of antiretroviral medications that must be started within 72 hours of a potential HIV exposure to significantly reduce the risk of infection.

When cleaning up a blood spill on a work surface, what is the correct order of steps?

Answer: Put on gloves, remove visible blood, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant, dispose of materials properly

The correct procedure is to don gloves first, remove visible blood with an absorbent material, apply an EPA-registered disinfectant for the required contact time, then dispose of waste properly.

What type of disinfectant is considered effective against bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and HBV?

Answer: An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with demonstrated efficacy against HIV and HBV

An EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with demonstrated efficacy against HIV and HBV must be used to ensure bloodborne pathogens are eliminated from surfaces.

How often does OSHA require bloodborne pathogen training for employees with occupational exposure?

Answer: Annually, and when new tasks or procedures affect exposure risk

OSHA requires initial BBP training upon hire and annual refresher training, as well as additional training whenever new tasks or procedures create exposure risks.

What is the approximate statistical risk of contracting HIV from a single needlestick with an HIV-positive source?

Answer: About 0.3%

The average risk of HIV transmission from a single needlestick with an HIV-positive source is approximately 0.3%, though this risk underscores the importance of consistent preventive measures.

What is the primary purpose of an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) required by OSHA?

Answer: To outline procedures to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens

The Exposure Control Plan is a written document that identifies exposure risks and details the specific methods and procedures an employer will use to protect employees from bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Which of the following best describes 'engineering controls' used to reduce bloodborne pathogen exposure in a salon?

Answer: Physical devices such as sharps containers and self-sheathing needles that isolate the hazard

Engineering controls are physical devices or equipment — like puncture-resistant sharps containers — that remove or isolate the bloodborne pathogen hazard from the work environment.