Definitions
A suspension of particles or droplets in the air.
What is Aerosol?
Scenario: A nurse enters a patient’s room to perform a routine blood draw or measure vital signs. The patient has no known infectious diseases.
What is Standard Precaution?
Responsible for the protection of human health and the environment.
What is EPA? (Environmental Protection Agency)
Scenario: A patient arrives at the emergency room coughing heavily, with a fever and body aches, suspected of having Influenza (the flu) or Bacterial Meningitis.
What is Droplet Precaution?
Destroys all microorganisms on the surface of an article or in a fluid to prevent disease transmission.
What is Sterilization?
Scenario: A patient presents with a chronic cough, night sweats, and weight loss, and the doctor suspects active Tuberculosis (TB) or Measles.
What is Airborne Precautions?
A standardized document that provides comprehensive information about a chemical or hazardous product.
What is SDS?
Scenario: An inpatient receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics develops profuse watery diarrhea. Simultaneously, the patient tests positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) via rapid PCR panel.
What is Contact and Droplet Precautions?
The federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.
What is NIOSH?
A 28-year-old patient presents to urgent care with a fever, malaise, and a widespread vesicular rash (fluid-filled blisters) covering their chest, back, and face.
What is Airborne/Contact Precautions?