Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

According to Spaulding's Classification system, a laryngoscope blade, which comes into contact with mucous membranes, is classified as what type of device and requires what minimum level of reprocessing?

Answer: Semi-Critical, and it requires high-level disinfection.

Spaulding's Classification categorizes medical devices based on the risk of infection involved in their use. A laryngoscope blade contacts mucous membranes, placing it in the Semi-Critical category. The minimum required reprocessing level for semi-critical items is high-level disinfection, although sterilization is often preferred if the device can withstand it.

An MDRD technician is performing hand hygiene before starting work in the clean assembly area. Which of the following practices is considered inappropriate and could compromise infection prevention?

Answer: Wearing artificial fingernails that are securely attached.

Health authorities and infection control guidelines strongly recommend that healthcare workers, especially those in high-risk areas like MDRDs, do not wear artificial fingernails. Artificial nails can harbor high concentrations of microorganisms, which are not always eliminated through hand washing or alcohol-based rubs, posing a significant risk of contamination to medical devices.

A technician is reviewing the environmental cleaning schedule for the Medical Device Reprocessing Department. According to CSA standards, which cleaning principle is fundamental to preventing cross-contamination between different work areas?

Answer: Cleaning from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas.

A core principle of environmental cleaning in healthcare, including the MDRD, is to clean from the cleanest areas (e.g., sterile storage, clean assembly) to the dirtiest areas (e.g., decontamination). This directional workflow prevents the transfer of microorganisms from contaminated zones to clean zones, which is crucial for infection prevention.

A sterile storage area within the MDRD is being monitored for environmental compliance. According to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines, what is the acceptable range for relative humidity to ensure the integrity of sterile packaging?

Answer: Between 30% and 60%

CSA standard Z314 outlines the environmental requirements for sterile storage. The relative humidity must be maintained between 30% and 60%. Humidity below this range can damage packaging materials, while humidity above this range can support microbial growth and compromise package integrity through moisture contamination.

In the event of a large spill of contaminated fluid in the decontamination area, what is the MOST important initial action for the MDRD technician to take after ensuring their own immediate safety?

Answer: Contain the spill using absorbent materials.

The first step after ensuring personal safety (e.g., wearing appropriate PPE) is to contain the spill. This prevents the contaminated fluid from spreading over a larger area, making the subsequent cleanup and disinfection process more manageable and effective. Containing the spill minimizes the risk of cross-contamination to other areas, equipment, and personnel.

Which of the following scenarios describes a potential fomite transmission of infection within the Medical Device Reprocessing Department?

Answer: A technician with unwashed hands handles a clean instrument after touching a dirty cart.

A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry and spread disease-causing organisms. In this scenario, the dirty cart is the fomite. When the technician touches the cart and then handles a clean instrument without performing hand hygiene, they are transferring microorganisms via the fomite (their hands), creating a risk of cross-contamination.