Infection Control Flashcards

What does 'MDROs' stand for and why are they significant?

Answer: Multi-drug resistant organisms — pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting treatment options

MDROs (MRSA, VRE, ESBL-producing organisms, CRE, CRAB) have resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, leaving few or no treatment options. They spread readily in healthcare settings. Prevention requires contact precautions, antibiotic stewardship, and strict infection control.

Which method is used to test whether an autoclave has achieved sterilization?

Answer: Biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore strips)

Biological indicators using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spore strips are the gold standard for autoclave validation. These are the most heat-resistant organisms; if they are killed, sterilization was achieved. Chemical indicators (Bowie-Dick test, color-change tape) confirm exposure to steam/heat but do not confirm sterilization.

What is the correct PPE for entering a room with a patient on droplet precautions?

Answer: Surgical mask, gloves, and eye protection for close contact within 1 meter

Droplet precautions are for pathogens transmitted in large droplets (>5 microns) that travel <1–2 meters: influenza, pertussis, meningococcal disease, rubella. A surgical mask (not N95) is adequate for protection within this range, plus gloves and eye protection for close contact.

How should soiled linen be handled in the hospital?

Answer: Roll tightly and place in a designated linen bag without shaking; avoid contact with uniform

Soiled linen is handled by: holding away from the body and uniform, rolling (not shaking — shaking disperses microorganisms into the air), placing directly in a color-coded linen bag, and transporting in a covered trolley. Never sort or rinse soiled linen in patient rooms.

What is the purpose of the 'surgical safety checklist' (WHO)?

Answer: To prevent wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, and surgical infections through structured team communication

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (Sign In, Time Out, Sign Out) reduces surgical complications and deaths. Sign In confirms identity, site, consent, and anesthesia; Time Out (before incision) confirms team agreement on patient, site, procedure; Sign Out confirms instrument counts, specimen labeling, and recovery plan.

What concentration of alcohol-based handrub is effective against most healthcare pathogens?

Answer: 60–80% alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol)

WHO and CDC recommend alcohol concentrations of 60–80% for maximal antimicrobial activity. Concentrations below 60% are less effective; above 80%, the evaporation is too rapid for adequate denaturing time, and the formulation becomes less effective. The sweet spot is 60–80%.