Infection Control and OSHA Standards Flashcards

The chain of infection includes all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Patient's blood pressure

The chain of infection consists of 6 links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Which of the following breaks the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?

Answer: Wearing gloves and washing hands

Hand hygiene and glove use interrupt the mode of transmission by preventing pathogen transfer between reservoir and new host.

Sterilization differs from disinfection in that sterilization:

Answer: Destroys all forms of microbial life including spores

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including resistant bacterial spores, whereas disinfection only reduces pathogen levels.

Which of the following is an example of a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Answer: A urinary tract infection developing after catheter insertion

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) are a common HAI acquired during the course of healthcare delivery.

OSHA requires that hepatitis B vaccination be offered to healthcare workers at:

Answer: No cost to the employee

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to employees with occupational exposure.

Autoclave sterilization uses which combination to destroy all microorganisms?

Answer: Steam under pressure and heat

Autoclaves use saturated steam under pressure (typically 121°C at 15 psi for 15–30 minutes) to achieve sterilization.