Infection Control Flashcards

A PCT accidentally gets a needlestick injury. What is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water

The first step is to wash the site with soap and water, followed by reporting the exposure per facility protocol.

Droplet precautions are indicated for which of the following conditions?

Answer: Influenza

Influenza spreads via large respiratory droplets (>5 microns) that fall within about 3 feet, requiring droplet precautions.

What does 'medical asepsis' mean in practice?

Answer: Reducing the number and spread of microorganisms (clean technique)

Medical asepsis, or clean technique, aims to reduce the number and spread of pathogens rather than achieving complete sterility.

Which is an example of a vector-borne route of disease transmission?

Answer: West Nile virus spread by mosquito bites

Vector-borne transmission occurs when a living organism (such as a mosquito) carries and transfers a pathogen to a host.

A patient's room requires terminal cleaning after discharge. What does this mean?

Answer: A thorough cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces, equipment, and furnishings in the room

Terminal cleaning is a comprehensive process that disinfects every surface in a patient room after discharge to prevent pathogen transmission to the next occupant.

Which hand hygiene product is NOT effective against C. difficile spores?

Answer: Alcohol-based hand rub

Alcohol-based hand rubs do not kill C. difficile spores; soap and water is required to physically remove spores from hands.

Standard precautions apply to:

Answer: All patients regardless of diagnosis

Standard precautions are used with every patient encounter because infectious status is not always known.