CHBT Infection Control in Dialysis Units

Question 1

Why are dialysis patients at significantly higher risk for bloodstream infections compared to the general population?

Accepted Answer

Frequent vascular access cannulation, immunosuppression from uremia, and repeated exposure to healthcare environments

Answer

Dialysis removes all protective antibodies from the blood each session

Answer

Dialysis patients are required to restrict hand washing to prevent skin dryness

Answer

The dialyzer membrane allows bacteria from dialysate to freely enter the bloodstream

Question 2

What is the most effective single intervention for preventing healthcare-associated infections in a dialysis unit?

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before and after patient contact

Answer

Wearing a surgical mask at all times in the dialysis unit

Answer

Changing gloves between dialysis machines without hand washing

Answer

Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all dialysis patients monthly

Question 3

What is the CDC's recommended approach for surface disinfection in dialysis units between patients?

Accepted Answer

Clean all external surfaces of the dialysis machine and chair with an EPA-registered disinfectant between each patient use

Answer

Wipe visible blood only; routine disinfection is not required between stable patients

Answer

Use sterile water only to avoid chemical contact with patients

Answer

Disinfect surfaces with 70% ethanol, which does not require EPA registration

Question 4

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a special risk in dialysis units because:

Accepted Answer

HBV can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days and is highly infectious, making environmental contamination a significant transmission route

Answer

HBV is transmitted through the dialysate and cannot be filtered by standard dialyzer membranes

Answer

All dialysis patients are immunocompromised and cannot be vaccinated against HBV

Answer

HBV requires only casual contact for transmission and spreads rapidly in shared spaces

Question 5

What is the correct order of donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) when preparing to assist a dialysis patient with an active wound infection?

Accepted Answer

Gown first, then mask/eye protection, then gloves last

Answer

Gloves first, then gown, then mask

Answer

Mask first, then gloves, then gown

Answer

The order does not matter as long as all PPE is worn

Question 6

A dialysis patient is diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). What isolation precautions are required?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions: N95 respirator for staff, negative pressure room, and patient to wear surgical mask when outside their room

Answer

Contact precautions only: gown and gloves for all patient interactions

Answer

Standard precautions are sufficient since dialysis patients are already immunocompromised

Answer

Droplet precautions: surgical mask for staff within 3 feet of the patient