Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards

In a hyperbaric oxygen unit, which patient population is at HIGHEST risk for developing a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Answer: Immunocompromised patients with chronic wounds

Immunocompromised patients with chronic wounds have impaired host defenses and open skin barriers, significantly elevating their risk for HAIs in any healthcare setting.

What is the Spaulding classification category for a hyperbaric hood or mask that contacts intact mucous membranes?

Answer: Semi-critical

Items contacting mucous membranes are classified as semi-critical under Spaulding's scheme and require at minimum high-level disinfection between patient uses.

A hyperbaric technologist notices a patient's wound dressing has become saturated with exudate mid-treatment inside the monoplace chamber. What is the priority infection control action upon chamber decompression?

Answer: Change the dressing immediately using aseptic technique and then decontaminate the chamber

Saturated dressings increase infection risk; the dressing should be changed immediately using aseptic technique, followed by thorough chamber decontamination to prevent cross-contamination.

Which action is the SINGLE most effective measure to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections in a hyperbaric unit?

Answer: Consistent and proper hand hygiene

The CDC and WHO consistently identify hand hygiene as the single most effective intervention for preventing transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens.

Biofilm formation inside hyperbaric chambers is most commonly associated with which surface or component?

Answer: Water reservoirs and humidification systems

Water reservoirs and humidification components provide a moist environment ideal for biofilm formation by organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella.

Under the CDC's Standard Precautions, which body fluid from a hyperbaric patient does NOT require special precautions unless visibly bloody?

Answer: Sweat

Standard precautions do not require special handling of sweat unless it is visibly contaminated with blood, as sweat is not considered an infectious body fluid.

When should terminal cleaning of a multiplace hyperbaric chamber be performed?

Answer: After each patient use during the day, with terminal cleaning at day's end

Routine cleaning between patients and terminal cleaning at end of each day are both required to maintain a safe environment and prevent pathogen accumulation.