Infection Prevention Flashcards

A patient arrives with a new cough and fever during flu season. What is the best initial infection-control action at the front desk?

Answer: Offer a mask and separate the patient from others when possible

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette includes masking symptomatic patients and separating them from others.

A staff member sustains a needlestick from a used needle. What should be done FIRST?

Answer: Wash the site with soap and water

Immediate first aid is washing the wound with soap and water, then reporting for post-exposure evaluation.

How long must an employer keep medical records of employees with occupational exposure under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Answer: Duration of employment plus 30 years

Employee exposure medical records must be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years.

Which statement about gloves is correct?

Answer: Hand hygiene should be performed after glove removal

Gloves may have micro-defects and hands can be contaminated during removal, so hand hygiene is required afterward.

A disinfectant label lists a kill claim against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This indicates which disinfection level?

Answer: Intermediate-level

Tuberculocidal claims define intermediate-level disinfectants, which are suitable for blood-contaminated noncritical surfaces.

What does 'standard precautions' assume about every patient?

Answer: All blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes may be infectious

Standard precautions treat all patients' blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis.

Mold and bacterial growth in a hydrocollator (moist heat pack unit) is best prevented by:

Answer: Regularly draining, cleaning, and refilling the unit per manufacturer schedule

Routine draining, cleaning, and refilling prevents biofilm and microbial growth in hydrocollator units.