Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A patient reports storing insulin pens in the refrigerator but notices the injection site burns severely. What is the MOST likely contributing factor?

Answer: Cold insulin is being injected directly from the refrigerator

Injecting cold insulin can cause pain and tissue irritation; insulin should be brought to room temperature before injection.

During a home visit, a CDCES observes a patient recapping used insulin pen needles and storing them for reuse. What is the PRIMARY safety concern with this practice?

Answer: Repeated use increases needle trauma, skin flora introduction, and infection risk

Reusing pen needles dulls the tip, damages the coating, and can introduce skin bacteria into the subcutaneous tissue, raising infection risk.

What is the recommended minimum distance between insulin injection sites during site rotation to prevent lipohypertrophy?

Answer: 2 cm (about 0.8 inches)

Injections should be spaced at least 1–2 cm apart within a region to avoid repeated trauma and lipohypertrophy formation.

A CDCES is counseling a patient about insulin pump infusion set changes. How often should infusion sets typically be changed to minimize infection risk?

Answer: Every 2–3 days

Infusion sets should be changed every 2–3 days to prevent site infections, occlusions, and insulin degradation.

A patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy reports stepping on a nail but feeling minimal pain. What is the MOST important immediate action to teach?

Answer: Seek immediate medical evaluation regardless of pain level

Any puncture wound in a person with diabetes and neuropathy requires immediate medical evaluation due to the high risk of rapid infection progression.

Which of the following is a key element of standard precautions that a CDCES should teach to a patient performing home blood glucose monitoring?

Answer: Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after testing

Hand hygiene before and after fingerstick testing is the cornerstone of infection prevention and also improves accuracy of blood glucose readings.

A school nurse asks a CDCES about policies for students sharing glucose tablets during hypoglycemia emergencies. What is the best guidance?

Answer: Each student should have their own personal supply of glucose tablets that are not shared

Each student with diabetes should have their own personal supply of glucose tablets to prevent cross-contamination and ensure access to treatment.