Infection Control Basics
Purpose of infection control in healthcare.
To minimize and remove disease causing microorganisms.
Name one type of pathogenic micro-organism.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.
What is considered the primary mode of disease transmission.
direct contact
What is PPE used for?
To protect staff from exposure to infectious materials.
Define sanitization.
Cleaning to reduce micro-organisms to a safe level.
Clean technique including hand hygiene, glove use, and sanitizing surfaces is known as _________.
Medical Asepsis
Define normal flora.
Micro-organisms living in the body without causing disease.
What is transmission-based precautions used for?
Patients with suspected infections requiring additional precautions.
An example of PPE.
Gloves, mask, gown, goggles.
Define disinfection.
Destroying pathogens on surfaces but not spores.
Name one requirement that helps pathogens grow.
Moisture, nutrients, favorable temperature or pH.
Name 1 example of a fungi pathogen.
Tinea pedis or Candida albicans.
What is an example of droplet transmission.
Coughing or sneezing droplets.
What law requires needle safety devices in healthcare?
Needle Safety & Prevention Act.
What is the temperature requirement for autoclaving.
250–270°F.
What is a communicable disease?
An illness caused by an infectious agent.
Name 1 example of a bacteria pathogen
E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, or Bordetella pertussis.
Name 2 requirements for airborne precautions.
Put in isolation room, Have patient wear mask, Allow patient to enter via a different route, PPE: Mask (N95), gloves, gown
Name the first step when donning gloves.
Perform hand hygiene.
Define sterilization
Destruction of all micro-organisms including spores.
What is the chain of infection used to describe?
How pathogens spread from one host to another.
This is the environment where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies before it leaves through a portal of exit.
Reservoir
Name one disease transmitted via airborne or droplet.
Varicella, meningitis, influenza, pertussis.
What OSHA requires employers to provide after exposure?
Post-exposure follow-up and Hep B vaccination.
What is an example of high-level disinfectant?
Cidex OPA.