Infection Control and Disinfection Procedures Flashcards

Which organism is the most common cause of access-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients?

Answer: Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA strains, is the leading cause of vascular access-related bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.

What level of disinfection is required for hemodialysis machine external surfaces?

Answer: Low-level disinfection with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant

External machine surfaces are non-critical items that require low-level disinfection with an EPA-registered product to remove pathogens that could cause infection through indirect contact.

According to CDC guidelines, gloves must be changed and hand hygiene performed between patients and:

Answer: When moving between clean and contaminated tasks for the same patient

CDC guidelines require glove changes and hand hygiene between any transition from contaminated to clean tasks to prevent cross-contamination.

What is the CDC-recommended strategy for preventing hepatitis B transmission in hemodialysis units?

Answer: Dedicated machines, supplies, and staff for HBsAg-positive patients, plus vaccination of susceptible patients and staff

The CDC recommends cohort isolation of HBsAg-positive patients with dedicated equipment and staff, combined with hepatitis B vaccination of all susceptible patients and healthcare workers.

What is the purpose of performing routine cultures of dialysis water and dialysate?

Answer: To monitor bacterial counts and ensure they remain within safe limits to protect patients from gram-negative bacteremia and pyrogenic reactions

Regular microbiological cultures monitor bacterial colony counts in water and dialysate so corrective action can be taken before counts exceed AAMI limits and harm patients.

Which bloodborne pathogen is MOST efficiently transmitted by needlestick injury in the hemodialysis setting?

Answer: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

HBV has the highest transmission risk per needlestick exposure (up to 30%), far exceeding HCV (~3%) and HIV (~0.3%).