Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A CDCES is teaching about insulin pump therapy. Which site preparation step is MOST effective in preventing catheter-related skin infections?

Answer: Cleansing the site with an antiseptic and allowing it to fully air dry before insertion

Cleaning with an antiseptic (such as alcohol or chlorhexidine) and allowing complete drying before cannula insertion is the standard infection prevention step.

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) require of healthcare settings where diabetes care is provided?

Answer: Employers must provide hepatitis B vaccination to employees with occupational blood exposure risk

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to offer free hepatitis B vaccination to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

A patient with type 1 diabetes asks whether it is safe to inject insulin through clothing in public settings. What should the CDCES advise?

Answer: It is not recommended due to increased infection risk and potential for fiber contamination

Injecting through clothing is not recommended by most guidelines because fabric fibers can be introduced into the skin, increasing infection risk.

A community health worker reports that a patient's glucometer readings are inconsistent and that the meter appears dirty. Which cleaning method is appropriate for most blood glucose meters?

Answer: Wiping exterior surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, avoiding ports and the test strip slot

Most glucometer manufacturers recommend cleaning exterior surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes while avoiding internal ports that could be damaged by moisture.

Which of the following is the MOST significant risk factor for developing a diabetic foot infection after a minor skin break?

Answer: Peripheral arterial disease reducing oxygen delivery to the wound

Peripheral arterial disease severely reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to wounded tissue, impairing immune response and healing in diabetic foot infections.

A CDCES is asked about the safe maximum number of times a blood glucose test strip can be used. What is the correct answer?

Answer: Test strips are single-use only and must be discarded after each test

Blood glucose test strips are single-use devices; reuse produces inaccurate results and poses infection risk from residual blood.

A patient's insulin pen is accidentally dropped and the needle tip touches a non-sterile surface. What should the CDCES advise?

Answer: Replace the needle with a new one before the next injection

Any needle that has contacted a non-sterile surface must be replaced because sterility cannot be restored by wiping or disinfecting an already-contaminated needle.