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What is the purpose of PPE in infection control?
PPE protects healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents and prevents the spread of infections.
You notice a patient coughing and sneezing in a shared room. What precautions should be taken?
Apply droplet precautions (wear a mask, gloves, gown if necessary) and consider isolating the patient if appropriate.
What safety checks should be performed for a patient under isolation?
Ensure the patient has adequate PPE, check if isolation signs are visible on the door, and ensure all necessary supplies are available.
What should a healthcare assistant do if they observe a breach in infection control protocol?
Address the situation immediately if possible, report the breach to the nurse, and document the incident as required.
What should be checked to ensure proper infection control during patient transfer?
Confirm the patient is appropriately isolated, that appropriate precautions are followed during the transfer, and that the receiving area is prepared.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for contact precautions?
: Gloves and gowns.
What is infection control?
infection control is a set of practices and procedures intended to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings.
Why is infection control important in healthcare?
It helps reduce the spread of harmful microorganisms, protecting patients, staff, and visitors from infections.
What should you report to the nurse regarding infection control?
Any signs of infection in a patient, non-compliance with infection control procedures, and any concerns regarding PPE or hygiene.
A patient is admitted with diarrhea and fever. What should you do?
Follow contact precautions (gloves, gown), ensure hand hygiene after patient contact, and report to the nurse.
What are the most common ways infections spread in healthcare settings?
Through contact, droplets, airborne transmission, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment.
What are the main principles of infection control?
Hand hygiene, use of PPE, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, safe disposal of waste, and isolation precautions.
What are contact precautions?
These are measures taken to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with patients or their environment.
How should gloves be removed to minimize contamination?
Gloves should be removed carefully by turning them inside out and discarding them without touching the outer surface.
Can droplet precautions prevent the spread of airborne diseases?
No, droplet precautions only prevent the spread of large respiratory droplets, not smaller airborne particles.
What should a healthcare assistant do during an outbreak?
Follow infection control procedures, ensure PPE is worn, and report any symptoms or potential cases.
What PPE is required for droplet precautions?
Surgical masks, gloves, and sometimes a gown.
What are droplet precautions?
Measures to prevent the spread of infections through respiratory droplets when a patient coughs, sneezes, or talks.
What is the role of a healthcare assistant in ensuring contact precautions are followed?
They should make sure appropriate PPE is worn, ensure surfaces are cleaned, and inform others about the required precautions.
When should droplet precautions be used?
For infections such as influenza, COVID-19, or rubella, which can spread through droplets.
What is an outbreak in a healthcare setting?
An occurrence of more cases of a particular infection than expected in a specific area within a given time frame.
What is the role of a healthcare assistant in managing airborne precautions?
Ensuring the patient is in a negative pressure room, proper PPE is worn, and the environment is properly ventilated.
What is MRSA?
MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections.
What are airborne precautions?
Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted through tiny airborne particles.
What should a healthcare assistant do if they suspect MRSA in a patient?
Report to the nurse immediately, ensure appropriate precautions are in place, and assist with any required testing.