Bloodborne Pathogens

Question 1

What is the most serious health threat that healthcare providers face to their own health on a day-to-day basis in clinical practice?

Answer 1

Bloodborne pathogens

Question 2

With what bloodborne pathogens is a healthcare provider most likely to come into contact?

Answer 2

HIV, HBV, HCV

Question 3

Are bloodborne pathogens solely found in the blood?

Answer 3

No; they are also found in other bodily fluids (such as saliva, semen, breast milk, and vaginal secretions)

Question 4

What class of pathogen are most bloodborne pathogens for which healthcare providers are most at risk?

Answer 4

Viruses (HIV, HBV, HCV)

Question 5

Will coughing or sneezing into another person’s mucous membranes transmit bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 5

No;
this is extremely unlikely.

However, splashing infected fluids into a person’s mucous membranes can result in infection.

Question 6

Will bloodborne pathogens be spread via sharing food?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

How should all needles and other sharps be considered in the healthcare (or other) setting? (This applies to any bodily fluids)

Answer 7

As infected

Question 8

What is the first step following an accidental needle stick or other introduction of potentially infected material to the body?

Answer 8

Wash the exposed area thoroughly with warm water and antiseptic soap.

Question 9

What should be worn when dealing with any blood or bodily fluids?

Answer 9

Gloves and other necessary PPE

Question 10

How long after a hepatitis B needle stick is the vaccine still effective?

Answer 10

1 week

Question 11

How effective is the hepatitis B vaccine?

Answer 11

70%

Question 12

What should be done to one’s own open wounds or sores to prevent contact with a patient’s bodily fluids?

Answer 12

Any wounds should be thoroughly and tightly bandaged

Question 13

Upon washing a potentially infected site with warm water and antiseptic soap, what should be done next?

Answer 13

Immediately head for the nearest nurses’ station

Question 14

What should employers have to protect their employees from bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 14

An ECP (exposure control plan)

Question 15

What is an ECP (exposure control plan)?

Answer 15

Identifies risky, jobs mandates training, Identifies precautions to minimize exposure and procedures to follow if an exposure incident occurs
————-
Addresses waste disposal, personal hygiene, good housekeeping, laundry, and warning signs and labels

Question 16

What is the first line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 16

Engineering controls
(sharps containers, self-sheathing needles, etc.)

1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE

Question 17

What is the second line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 17

Work practice controls
(antiseptic soap use, proper handling and disposal of infected waste, etc.)

1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE

Question 18

What is the third line of defense against bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 18

PPE
(masks, gloves, gowns, spill clean-up kits, etc.)

1st - Engineering controls
2nd - Workplace practices
3rd - PPE

Question 19

Where should any material potentially contaminated with bodily fluids or hazardous materials be put?

Answer 19

In labeled biohazard bins

Question 20

What cloth might not always be thought of as a potential biohazard but should be?

Answer 20

Laundry

Question 21

What three events must occur following a bloodborne pathogen exposure?

Answer 21

Medical evaluation, post-evaluation, and sharps injury log

Question 22

What CPR/resuscitation device helps prevent prolonged mucous membrane contact between medical providers and patients?

Answer 22

An ambu bag

Question 23

What is a good disinfectant for bloodborne pathogens?

Answer 23

Dilute bleach