WEEK 2 - STANDARD PRECAUTIONS AND TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS

Question 1

WHAT IS STANDARD PRECAUTIONS?

Answer 1

• Work practices that apply to everyone, regardless of their infectious status to ensure a basic level of infection prevention control.
• First line approach to infection prevention and control in the healthcare environment to minimise the risk of transmission of infections agents from person to person.
• Examples: Hand Hygiene, Use of PPE when at risk of body substance exposure,

Question 2

WHAT IS TRANSMISSION-BASED PRECAUTIONS

Answer 2

• Used in addition to Standard Precautions for clients with known or suspected infections that are spread in one of three ways:
• Contact
• Droplet
• Airborne
• Are recommended as additional work practices in situations where standard precautions alone may be insufficient to prevent transmission.
• Example, Room isolation, PPE

Question 3

WHAT SHOULD PPE BE USED FOR WHEN EXPOSED TO.. ?

Answer 3

• Blood
• Body substances such as body fluids, faeces and solid tissue
• Non-intact skin and mucous membranes

Question 4

WHAT IS PPE GLOVES USED FOR?

Answer 4

• Protect hands from body substances
• Reduce the possibility of nurses’ hands transmitting micro-organisms from an individual to another person

Question 5

WHAT IS PPE GOWNS USED FOR?

Answer 5

• Fluid resistant gown
• Use:
  · When in close contact with patients, materials or equipment which may lead to contamination of skin or clothing with infectious agent(s)
  · If there is a risk of contamination with blood, body substances, secretions or excretions

Question 6

WHAT IS PPE FACE MASK USED FOR?

Answer 6

• Prevents transmission of disease.

Question 7

WHAT IS PPE EYEWEAR USED FOR?

Answer 7

• Indicated in situations where body substances may splatter the face

Question 8

ASEPTIC NON-TOUCH TECHNIQUE

Answer 8

Mase sure not to touch anything

Question 9

HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF SHARPS

Answer 9

· Sharps should not be passed by hand between health care workers
· Use puncture-resistant sharps trays & waste bins
· Use needleless IV systems
· Do not re-sheath needles

Question 10

RESPIRATORY HYGIENE AND ETIQUETTE

Answer 10

· Cover the nose/mouth with disposable single-use tissues when coughing, sneezing, wiping and blowing noses
· Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions

Question 11

HANDLING OF WASTE AND LINED

Answer 11

· Handling - Handy Hygiene, PPE
· Linen:
- Handle with care to avoid dispersal of microorganisms
- Use appropriate PPE when soiled
- Place in linen carrier close to location of use
- DO not rinse/sort in patient-care areas
- Use leak-proof laundry bags if soiled with body substances
Do not overfill