IPC Revision Lecture Flashcards
links in the chain of infection
- infectious agent
- reservoir
- portal of exit
- mode of transmission
- portal of entry
- susceptible host
explain role of each of the links in the chain of infection
infectious agent = microorganism that can cause infection e.g. BBV
reservoir = where infectious agent lives and grows e.g. people / equipment
portal of exit = how IA leaves reservoir e.g. body fluids
mode of transmission = how IA is spread from one site to another e.g. direct contact
portal of entry = how IA enters the body e.g. inoculation
susceptible host = anyone but especially immunocompromised
actions used to break links in chain of infection
standard infection control precautions
when should these actions be used
to be used by all staff in all care settings at all times for all patients whether infection is known to be present or not
SICPS most relevant to dentistry (8)
- hand hygiene
- personal protective equipment
- safe mx of care equipment
- safe mx of care environment
- safe mx of blood & body fluid spillages
- safe disposal of waste inc sharps
- occupational safety; prevention and exposure management inc sharps
- respiratory & cough hygiene
how should bloody & body fluid spillages be managed, explain stages
local policy must be followed
appropriate PPE i.e. apron, mask, gloves & eye protection
organic matter to be removed using disposable absorbent towels dispose of in healthcare waste
apply appropriate granules or solution to disinfect the area & leave for required time as per manufacturer’s instructions
granules removed using scoop & dispose of in healthcare waste
area to be cleaned using water & general detergent then fried with paper towels or left to air dry
all waste inc PPE to be disposed of in healthcare waste
perform hand hygiene
what agents used when dealing with blood spillage and for how long
10,000ppm av Cl
sodium hypochlorite / dichloroisocyanurate
for 3mins contact time
or according to manufacturer’s instructions
e.g. of waste for orange waste stream
gloves
mask
pt bib
apron
gauze, CWR, CWB
contaminated wrapping
rubber dam
clinell wipes
e.g. of waste for black waste stream
gloves box
hand hygiene paper towel
paper
uncontaminated instrument wrapping
when is temp closure mechanism used and how
when container left unattended or is not in use
1 click = temp closure
2 clicks = permanent closure
blue lid v orange lid boxes
blue = pharmaceutical
orange = sharps
who is responsible for disposal of sharps
user, operator, creator of sharp is responsible
no one other than person using it should be disposing of it
i.e. ONLY YOU
what action should be taken if you receive a sharps injury & pt refuses to consent for bloods being taken
same protocol followed whether a pt consents to having blood taken or if they refuse; it is their choice
pt must never be pressured into giving consent to have bloods taken
what procedure must be followed if you receive a sharps injury while treating a pt
immediately stop procedure & investigate area
inform pt if injury has occurred
make sharp safe
1st aid - encourage bleeding, wash injured area, dress with waterproof plaster / dressing
notify supervising clinician
risk assessment carried out by appropriate person (not person injured)
contact occ health
consent pt for bloods
paperwork
datix
what happens to pt risk assessment paperwork after sharp’s injury
risk assessment must be destroyed after occupational health has been called
all information contained within risk assessment is strictly confidential
info must not be written in patient case notes
5 WHO moments of hand hygiene
- before touching pt
- before aseptic technique
- after procedure or body fluid exposure risk
- after touching pt
- after touching pt surroundings
