Infection control
What is the single most important action healthcare workers can take to prevent the spread of infection?
Hand hygiene (handwashing or alcohol-based hand rub)
What does R.A.C.E. stand for?
Rescue (or Remove), Alarm (or Alert), Confine (or Contain), and Extinguish (or Evacuate)
What does P.A.S.S. stand for and what is it used for?
Pull (the safety pin), Aim (at the base of the fire), Squeeze (the handle or lever), Sweep (from side to side) - Used to explain how to use fire extinguisher
What does HIPAA protect in healthcare settings?
Protected health information (PHI) and patient privacy
How has healthcare changed over time?
Healthcare has improved with better medicine, new technology, vaccines, safer surgeries, and better ways to treat diseases
Name two pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) commonly used when there is risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Gloves, mask, gown, eye protection (any two)
Why is proper patient identification (e.g., two identifiers) required before giving medications or treatments?
To ensure the right patient receives the right medication/treatment and prevent errors
What does MSDS or SDS stand for, and what information does it provide?
Material Safety Data Sheet / Safety Data Sheet — chemical hazards, handling, first aid, PPE, disposal
Define "informed consent" in one sentence.
Patient voluntarily agrees to a procedure after understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives
What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary care?
Define "standard precautions" and when they should be applied
Standard precautions are infection prevention practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis; used during contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes.
What is the recommended immediate action if you find broken glass or a spilled chemical in the clinical area?
Isolate area, follow facility spill or hazard protocols, notify supervisor/housekeeping, use PPE.
Name three ergonomic practices that help prevent musculoskeletal injuries when lifting or moving patients.
Use proper body mechanics, get help/team lifts, use mechanical lifts/transfer devices, keep loads close to body
What is EMTALA?
EMTALA allows each person to receive medical screening, regardless of if they can pay.
Name one type of healthcare facility and what it does.
Explain the difference between sterilization and disinfection
Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores (e.g., autoclave); disinfection reduces or eliminates many pathogens but may not kill spores (e.g., chemical disinfectants)
What is a "near miss" and why should it be reported?
A near miss is an event that could have caused harm but did not; it should be reported to prevent future harm.
Explain the steps a worker should take after a needlestick injury
Wash area, report to supervisor, seek medical evaluation, document exposure, follow post-exposure protocol (may include HIV/HBV prophylaxis)
What is the difference between negligence and malpractice?
Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonably careful person would in a similar situation, resulting in harm to another person. It can occur in any setting and does not require professional training or licensure.
Malpractice is a specific type of negligence committed by a licensed professional (such as a nurse, physician, or respiratory therapist). It occurs when the professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care for their profession, causing injury to a patient.
Name two members of the healthcare team and what they do.
Describe the correct sequence for donning (putting on) PPE for a contact isolation scenario (gloves, gown, mask/respirator, eye protection)
Typically: gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves (sequence may vary slightly by facility — check facility policy)
Describe two strategies to reduce patient falls in a hospital or clinical setting.
Examples: bed alarms, non-slip footwear, regular risk assessments, proper lighting, rounding/checklists
Ways to avoid needle sticks
Safety locks, sharps containers, avoid recapping needs, etc.
Give an example of a famous unethical/malpractice lawsuits/cases.
RaDonda Vaught, Heather Pressdee
What is one new technology used in healthcare today?