Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

When doffing contaminated PPE, which item should be removed FIRST?

Answer: Gloves

Gloves are removed first because they are the most heavily contaminated item and their removal prevents transferring pathogens to other PPE or bare skin.

After sustaining a needlestick injury, what is the FIRST immediate action?

Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Immediate washing of the wound with soap and water is the first response to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Which of the following is NOT one of the six links in the chain of infection?

Answer: Patient vaccination status

The six chain links are: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host; vaccination status affects susceptibility but is not a link.

Which bloodborne pathogen carries the HIGHEST transmission risk per needlestick exposure?

Answer: HBV (Hepatitis B virus)

HBV has a transmission rate of 6–30% per needlestick in unvaccinated individuals, far exceeding HIV (0.3%) and HCV (1.8%).

At minimum, contact precautions require the specimen collector to wear:

Answer: Gloves and gown

Contact precautions require gloves and a gown to prevent transmission via direct skin-to-skin or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.

Gloves must be changed and hand hygiene performed:

Answer: Between each patient encounter

Gloves must be changed and hand hygiene performed between each patient to prevent cross-contamination from one patient to another.

When hands are visibly soiled with blood, which hand hygiene method is required?

Answer: Soap and water

Visibly soiled hands must be washed with soap and water because ABHR does not physically remove organic material like blood.