IPC revision

Question 1

what are the chain of infection links in order

Answer 1

infectious agent
reservoir
portal of exit
mode of transmission
portal of entry
susceptible host

Question 2

when should SICPs be used

Answer 2

by all staff in all care settings at all times for all patients whether infection known to be present or not

(standard infection control precautions)

Question 3

name the actions we can use to break the links in the chain of infection (1)

Answer 3

SICPs
standard infection control precautions

Question 4

Name 7 SICPs relevant to dentistry

Answer 4

hand hygiene
personal protective equipment
safe disposal of waste (including sharps)
safe management of care equipment
safe management of care environment
safe management of blood and bodily fluid spillages
occupational safety: prevention and exposure management (including sharps)

Question 5

how should blood and bodily fluid spillages be managed

Answer 5

local policy must be followed
- appropriate PPE must be worn
- organic matter removed using disposable towels and disposed of in orange waste stream
- apply appropriate granules or solution to area and leave for appropriate time
- remove granules, if used, using a scoop and dispose of in orange waste
- clean area with water and detergent
- dry area - air dry or paper towels
- all waste disposed of, including PPE, in orange stream
- hand hygiene

Question 6

what agents are used when dealing with a blood or bodily fluid spillage

Answer 6

sodium hypochlorite
sodium dichloroisocyanurate

(chlorine releasing granules not accepted)

Question 7

contact time for chlorine releasing agents

Answer 7

3 mins or manufacturers instructions

Question 8

concentration of chlorine releasing agent for blood spillages

Answer 8

10,000ppm available chlorine

Question 9

name 3 things that are disposed of in orange waste stream

Answer 9

gloves
mask
apron
gauze
rubber dam sheets

Question 10

name 3 things disposed of in general waste stream

Answer 10

gloves boxes
uncontaminated instrument wrapping
hand hygiene paper towels

Question 11

when should temporary closure mechanism on sharps boxes be used

Answer 11

when container is not in use or unattended

Question 12

procedure to be followed if you receive a sharps injury

Answer 12

• immediately stop procedure and investigate area
• inform patient
• make sharp safe
• encourage bleeding and wash area with soap and water
• dress with waterproof plaster
• notify supervising clinician
• risk assessment by appropriate person
• contact occupational health
• consent patient for bloods
• datix

Question 13

what are the 5 WHO moments for hand hygiene

Answer 13

before touching a patient
before a clean/aseptic procedure
after a procedure of body fluid exposure risk
after touching a patient
after touching a patients surroundings