Chain Of Infection
This is the first link in the chain of infection and includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
What is an infectious agent (or pathogen)?
This piece of PPE should be the FIRST item you put on when donning.
What is a gown?
This is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis.
What is: Medical asepsis (clean technique) reduces the number of pathogens, while surgical asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates ALL microorganisms including spores?
Standard Precautions are applied to this group of patients.
What is ALL patients (regardless of diagnosis or infection status)?
OSHA stands for this federal agency responsible for workplace safety.
What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration?
This link in the chain of infection is where the pathogen lives and multiplies, such as humans, animals, or contaminated surfaces.
What is a reservoir?
List the correct order for DONNING (putting on) PPE.
What is:
Any item within this measurement from the edge of a sterile field is considered contaminated.
What is 1 inch (or the outer 1-inch border)?
This is the single most important practice for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
What is hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol-based hand sanitizer)?
According to OSHA, this document provides detailed information about hazardous chemicals including health hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
Name all SIX links in the chain of infection in the correct order.
What are:
This is the FIRST item you should remove when doffing PPE because it is considered the most contaminated.
What are gloves?
Name THREE actions that would contaminate a sterile field.
What are (any 3 of the following):
Name FIVE key components of Standard Precautions.
What are (any 5 of the following):
You accidentally stick yourself with a contaminated needle while cleaning up after a blood draw. List the FOUR immediate steps you must take according to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
What is:
Breaking the chain of infection at THIS link involves practices like handwashing, wearing gloves, and proper cleaning of equipment to prevent the spread of pathogens.
What is mode of transmission?
List the correct order for DOFFING (removing) PPE.
What is:
You are setting up a sterile field for a dressing change. Explain the proper technique for opening a sterile package and adding it to the sterile field without contamination.
What is: Open the package away from your body first, then open the sides, and finally open the flap closest to you last. Drop or place the item onto the sterile field from at least 6 inches above without reaching over the field. Only touch the outside wrapper, never the inner sterile contents?
Explain the difference between Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions, and name the THREE types of Transmission-Based Precautions.
What is: Standard Precautions are used with ALL patients to prevent transmission of pathogens. Transmission-Based Precautions are ADDITIONAL precautions used for patients with known or suspected infections that are transmitted in specific ways?
The three types are:
OSHA requires healthcare facilities to have a written Exposure Control Plan. Name FOUR elements that must be included in this plan.
What are (any 4 of the following):
A patient with a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy represents this link in the chain of infection. Explain why this patient is at higher risk and name TWO factors that make someone a susceptible host.
What is a susceptible host?
A patient has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Name the specific type of respirator required, explain why a regular surgical mask is NOT sufficient, and identify what type of isolation room is needed.
What is an N95 respirator (or higher, such as PAPR)?
During a sterile procedure, you notice that your sterile glove touches your unsterile lab coat. Explain what you must do, why this is necessary, and describe the complete process for correcting this break in sterile technique.
What is: Immediately stop the procedure and change gloves (or re-glove with a new sterile pair)?
A patient's chart indicates "Contact Precautions" for MRSA. Describe the complete PPE and procedures required when entering the room to take vital signs, including what you must do before leaving the room.
What is:
Before Entering:
During Care:
Before Leaving:
A new PCT asks you why it's so important to use the sharps container instead of just recapping needles. Explain the OSHA regulation regarding needle recapping, describe the ONE-HANDED scoop technique for when recapping is absolutely necessary, and explain why safety-engineered sharps devices are now required.
What is: OSHA prohibits recapping needles whenever possible because it's the leading cause of needlestick injuries?
ONE-HANDED scoop technique (when absolutely necessary):