Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Patient Care > patient care: infection control > Flashcards

patient care: infection control Flashcards

(98 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q
  1. What are microorganisms and do they always cause disease?
A

→ Microorganisms are living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye. Most do not produce infection or disease. Many are harmless or even beneficial!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q
  1. In what areas of the body can permanent flora be found?
A

Mouth, upper respiratory tract, and intestines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

When can microorganisms that are normally harmless cause infection?

A

If introduced to a site where they don’t normally reside, or into an immunocompromised host.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are pathogenic microorganisms capable of doing?

A

Causing infection/disease by destroying cells, secreting toxins, and transmitting between hosts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis

A

Medical asepsis reduces the spread of pathogens; surgical asepsis aims to completely eliminate all microorganisms and their spores

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is disinfection and give some examples of disinfectants:

A

Disinfection = chemical destruction of pathogens. Examples: hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, iodine, chlorhexidine, formaldehyde.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How long should handwashing last, and what should be used if soap isn’t available?

A

At least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Alcohol sanitizer can be used if hands aren’t visibly soiled.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

When is soap and water mandatory over hand sanitizer?

A

When hands are visibly soiled or after contact with patients with C. diffic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Who is considered the “Father of Infection Control”?

A

Ignaz Semmelweis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are some key personal care practices for infection prevention as a radiologic technologist?

A

Wear clean uniforms, limit jewelry, and avoid artificial nails.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is sterile technique used for?

A

During invasive procedures like biopsies or intrathecal/intravenous contrast administration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the “sterile corridor”?

A

A restricted area between the draped patient and the instrument table; only the surgeon and instrument nurse may enter.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are microorganisms and do they always cause disease?

A

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms invisible to the naked eye. Most do not cause infection or disease—many live harmlessly or are even beneficial.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Do most microorganisms cause infection or disease?

A

No, most microorganisms do not produce infection or disease. Many are harmless and even beneficial to human health.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

When can microorganisms become harmful or pathogenic?

A

When introduced into a site where they do not normally reside or into an immunocompromised host.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What do pathogenic microorganisms do to cause disease?

A

hey destroy cells or tissues or secrete toxins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?

A

Medical asepsis reduces transfer of pathogens using disinfectants, while surgical asepsis (sterilization) involves the removal of all microorganisms and spores and is used in surgical settings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the most important precaution in aseptic technique?

A

Proper hand washing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

How long should hands be washed or sanitized for?

A

At least 20 seconds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

a portal of exit from the resevoir can be blank

A

any pathway by which the pathogen are able to leave the resevoir

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What characteristic makes someone a susceptible host?

A

A diminished natural resistance to infection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Name at least five groups of people considered highly susceptible to infection.

A

Sick, immunocompromised, very young, elderly, poorly nourished.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are Health care–associated infections (HAIs) and who do they affect?

A

Infections acquired by patients (susceptible hosts) in the hospital, unrelated to the condition for which they were hospitalized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Why is hand hygiene emphasized for preventing infection?

A

Because microorganisms can enter through broken skin; hand washing and use of antiseptics reduce this risk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What substances are frequently used in hand hygiene to inhibit or kill pathogenic bacteria?
Antiseptics, disinfectants, germicides (e.g., alcohol-based hand sanitizers).
26
What is a portal of entry in infection control?
The pathway by which infectious organisms gain access to the body.
27
ist five common portals of entry for pathogens.
Breaks in the skin, GI tract, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), respiratory tract, urinary tract.
28
How can infectious organisms enter a host besides through skin or mucosa?
Ingestion, injection, inhalation, or via the placenta from mother to fetus
29
What are examples of reservoirs of infection?
Patients with TB, visitors with colds, or healthcare workers with pink eye.
30
What are the three main modes of transmission?
Droplet, Airborne, Contact (Direct and Indirect).
31
What’s the difference between direct and indirect contact transmission?
Direct: physical touch (e.g., handshake). Indirect: via fomites like doorknobs or IV poles.
32
What is the primary route of HIV transmission?
Through intimate contact with blood or body fluids of an infected individual (e.g., sexual contact, sharing needles, childbirth, transfusion).
33
Can HIV be transmitted through toilet seats or water fountains?
No, inanimate objects like water fountains, telephones, or toilet seats cannot transmit HIV.
34
What standard must radiographers follow regarding potential sources of infection?
They must treat all patients as potential sources of infection using standard precautions, assuming all body fluids and substances may be infectious.
35
List five body fluids that may be considered infectious.
Blood Breast milk Vaginal secretions Amniotic fluid Synovial fluid (also includes feces, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.)
36
What is the rationale behind standard precautions?
to prevent the spread of microorganisms from patients to other patients or healthcare workers and to protect radiographers from contamination.
37
What is the definition of Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)?
Infections acquired by patients while they are in the hospital, unrelated to the condition for which they were admitted.
38
What are nosocomial and iatrogenic infections?
Nosocomial: hospital-acquired infections. Iatrogenic: infections resulting from physician intervention.
39
What is the most common type of HAI and its cause?
Urinary tract infection (UTI), often due to the use of urinary catheters.
40
Name three other types of HAIs besides UTIs.
Sepsis Wound infections Respiratory tract infections
41
What is the most common mode of transmission in hospitals?
Via hands—microorganisms are most commonly spread this way
42
How can the spread of infection via hands be effectively reduced?
Through proper disposal of contaminated objects and thorough hand hygiene before and after patient care.
43
What substances are used in hand hygiene liquids to help control infection?
Disinfectants, antiseptics, and germicides.
44
What additional precautions are required when a patient is suspected or known to have a communicable disease?
Transmission-based precautions are required, including airborne, droplet, and contact precautions, in addition to standard precautions.
45
What diseases are associated with airborne transmission, and what are the protection requirements for both the patient and the radiographer?
Diseases: Tuberculosis (TB), Varicella, Rubeola Patient protection: Surgical string mask and private, negative-pressure room Radiographer protection: N95 respirator if the patient can't wear a mask, gloves, and gown for blatant contamination
46
What are the protective measures for droplet-transmitted diseases like rubella, mumps, and influenza?
Patient protection: Surgical string mask and private room Radiographer protection: Gown and gloves as indicated; surgical string mask if patient can’t wear one, except for H1N1 which requires an N95 respirator
47
For contact transmission, such as with MRSA or VRE, what precautions should the radiographer take?
Radiographer protection: Gloves and gown; mask if required by facility Patient protection: Private room and mask if required
48
What are the three types of transmission-based precautions?
Airborne, droplet, and contact precautions.
49
When are transmission-based precautions used?
When a patient is suspected or known to have a communicable disease.
50
What type of mask must the radiographer wear when entering an airborne isolation room?
An N95 particulate respirator mask.
51
What is required for patients with airborne diseases in terms of room placement?
A private, specially ventilated negative-pressure room.
52
What is the purpose of a surgical string mask for patients on airborne precautions?
To avoid the spread of acid-fast bacilli or other pathogens during coughing.
53
Name three diseases that require airborne precautions.
Tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox (varicella), and measles (rubeola).
54
What protection is required for radiographers under droplet precautions?
A regular (string) surgical mask; an N95 mask may be needed for aerosol-generating procedures like with H1N1 influenza.
55
Why is a private room required for droplet precaution patients?
Because large droplets can infect others when they come in contact with mucous membranes.
56
Which diseases are commonly spread by droplet transmission?
Rubella, mumps, and influenza.
57
What must be done to avoid cross-contamination of soiled patient care linens or equipment?
Clean reusable equipment properly before use on another patient and discard single-use items.
58
What should you use to clean blood and body fluid spills?
A solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
59
When must gloves be worn?
When there is a possibility of touching blood, body fluids, contaminated equipment, or touching surfaces contaminated with them.
60
How often should environmental surfaces be cleaned and disinfected?
On a routine basis.
61
When should hands be washed or sanitized according to Standard Precautions?
Before and after glove use, after patient contact, and between changing gloves from contaminated to clean pair.
62
what blood-borne virus affects the liver and can be spread to others?
Hepatitis B.
63
What are some other examples of HAIs?
Sepsis, wound infections, and respiratory tract infections.
64
Which diseases require airborne precautions?
TB, chickenpox (varicella), and measles (rubeola).
65
What kind of room is required for airborne patients?
A private, negative-pressure room.
66
What kind of mask should the radiographer wear?
N95 respirator or PAPR if N95 fit isn’t possible.
67
How are droplet-transmitted diseases spread?
Via large droplets from speaking, sneezing, or coughing.
68
What type of mask is typically used under droplet precautions?
A surgical string mask, except for H1N1 (N95 may be needed).
69
What diseases require droplet precautions?
Rubella, mumps, influenza.
70
What are examples of diseases that require contact precautions?
MRSA, C. difficile, and wound infections.
71
What PPE must be worn under contact precautions?
Gloves and gown.
72
Should equipment be shared between patients under contact precautions?
No, either dedicate it or disinfect between patients.
73
How should radiographic imaging be handled in contact isolation?
Two-radiographer technique: "dirty" handles patient, "clean" handles equipment.
74
What room type is needed for patients under contact precautions?
A private room or cohorting with other similar patients.
75
What protective gear must health care personnel use for contact precautions?
Gloves and gowns are required to prevent unprotected exposure.
76
When must hands be disinfected during contact precaution protocols?
Before and after gloving.
77
What precautions must be taken with x-ray imaging under contact precautions?
Special precautions, teamwork by two radiographers, and clean/disinfected equipment or dedicated equipment per patient.
78
why must mobile x-ray units not be touched after positioning the patient?
To avoid contaminating the equipment before changing gloves.
79
How should contaminated linens or disposables be handled?
Placed in appropriate hampers or trash receptacles for disposal.
80
After patient care, what must happen before leaving the room?
Gloves removed, hands sanitized, and equipment cleaned with disinfectant.
81
What is the role of the “dirty” radiographer during a mobile radiograph?
Handles positioning and exposure while avoiding cross-contamination; removes contaminated coverings.
82
What is the main purpose of neutropenic (protective or reverse) isolation?
To keep the susceptible patient whose immune system is compromised (immunosuppression) from becoming infected.
83
What types of patients may need neutropenic isolation?
Patients suffering from burns Patients whose immune systems are compromised (e.g., transplant recipients, leukemia, chemotherapy)
84
What is the role of the “clean” radiographer during isolation for immunocompromised patients?
The clean radiographer touches only the patient and what comes in contact with the patient.
85
What types of biomedical waste require special disposal precautions?
Laboratory and pathology waste Used bandages and dressings Discarded gloves All sharp objects Liquid waste from suction, bladder catheters, chest tubes, IV tubes, and drainage containers
86
How should biomedical waste be packaged and removed?
Biomedical waste must be packaged in special, easily identifiable, impermeable bags and removed by an approved biomedical waste hauler.
87
Why must all patients be treated as potential sources of infection under standard precautions?
Because symptoms may not always be evident in patients with diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, all patients are treated as potential sources of infection from blood and other body fluids.
88
What is the purpose of standard precautions and transmission-based precautions?
To help prevent the spread of infection to healthcare professionals and to other patients.
89
What are infections acquired in hospitals called, and what is the most common type?
They are called health care–associated infections (HAIs) or nosocomial infections. The most common HAI is urinary tract infection (UTI).
90
What legal and ethical responsibility do healthcare professionals have regarding infection precautions?
They must adhere to standard precautions at all times for all patients without exception.
91
How should biomedical waste be disposed of?
It must be disposed of in carefully controlled circumstances.
92
What is required for airborne precautions?
The patient wears a surgical string mask A private, specially ventilated, negative-pressure room is needed
93
What is required for droplet precautions?
A private room, The radiographer must wear a surgical string mask (if the patient isn’t wearing one), Gown and gloves may also be needed, N95 may be required for H1N1 during aerosol-generating procedures
94
What is required for contact precautions?
Use of gown and gloves A mask may be needed when in direct contact with the patient (e.g., for C. difficile, MRSA, wounds)
95
What’s special about performing radiography on a patient under contact precautions?
It requires teamwork of two radiographers.
96
. What is neutropenic isolation used for?
To keep the susceptible patient (with a compromised immune system) from being infected.
97
98

Patient Care (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions