Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

An HHA sustains a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water

The first action after a needlestick is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to reduce infection risk.

Used sharps (needles, lancets) must be disposed of in which type of container?

Answer: FDA-cleared puncture-resistant sharps container

Used sharps must be placed in an FDA-cleared, puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps disposal container to prevent injury.

Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, employers must offer hepatitis B vaccination to at-risk employees at what cost?

Answer: At no cost to the employee

OSHA requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination to all at-risk employees at no cost to the employee.

Which of the following is the correct practice regarding needle recapping?

Answer: Recap needles using the one-hand scoop technique only if necessary

Needles should never be recapped with two hands; the one-hand scoop technique is only acceptable when recapping is absolutely necessary.

The 'chain of infection' includes six links. Which link represents the doorway through which a pathogen enters a new host?

Answer: Portal of entry

The portal of entry is the route by which a pathogen enters a new susceptible host, such as mucous membranes or broken skin.

Which body fluid does NOT require standard precautions unless it contains visible blood?

Answer: Sweat

Sweat is the only body fluid not considered infectious under standard precautions and does not require PPE unless contaminated with blood.

An HHA has blood splashed into their eyes. What is the correct response?

Answer: Flush the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes

Eyes exposed to blood or body fluids must be irrigated with clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes.