Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

Which hepatitis virus is PRIMARILY transmitted via the fecal-oral route and poses the greatest risk through contaminated food or water?

Answer: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route via contaminated food and water, unlike hepatitis B and C which are bloodborne.

A patient is found unresponsive in a home with chemical containers nearby. The EMS crew should FIRST:

Answer: Stage at a safe distance and request hazmat support

Scene safety is the top priority; EMS should stage upwind and uphill at a safe distance and request hazmat resources before approaching a potential chemical scene.

Which of the following best describes 'standard precautions' as defined by the CDC?

Answer: Precautions applied to all patients regardless of known or suspected infection status

Standard precautions assume all patients may be infectious and are applied universally regardless of diagnosis or perceived risk.

The incubation period for HIV after exposure ranges approximately:

Answer: 2–6 weeks for seroconversion symptoms

Acute HIV seroconversion illness typically occurs 2–6 weeks after exposure, though antibody tests may not become positive for up to 3 months.

When washing hands, the CDC recommends scrubbing with soap and water for at least:

Answer: 20 seconds

The CDC recommends scrubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove pathogens.

Which of the following patients would require droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions?

Answer: A patient with influenza and fever

Influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets within approximately 6 feet, requiring droplet precautions such as a surgical mask.

EMS providers are required to wear eye protection when:

Answer: There is a reasonable anticipation of blood or body fluid splashes

Eye protection is required whenever there is a reasonable likelihood of splashing or spraying of blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.