Bloodborne Pathogens 2023
Infection with blood-borne pathogens occurs when:
A virus, bacterium, or parasite in blood or other body fluid enters the worker's body, survives and begins to multiply in a worker's body.
Employers are responsible for free immunization (vaccination):
Against Hepatitis B, and is available to workers who might be exposed to blood-borne pathogens; there is no vaccination against Hepatitis C or HIV.
Which blood-born pathogen infection could occur after a needle stick?
All of the above
What are blood-born pathogens?
Blood-borne pathogens are viruses, parasites, or other biological entity found in blood and body fluids that cause human disease.
What type of personal protective equipment should be considered for blood-borne Pathogens?
Eyewear, face masks, splash shields, gowns, and double gloving (wearing two gloves).
What immediate action should be taken, after getting splashed in the mouth wi the blood, urine, or mucous, from a patient whose only medical complaint is a sprained ankle?
Immediately wash the mouth with plenty of water (rinse the mouth), notify the supervisor, go to the designated area (usually the ER), and have the patient's blood drawn and immediately tested for HIV with the rapid HIV test. Within 4hours, decide whether to receive Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Which is a true statement?
Symptoms of blood-born pathogen infection may take weeks to months to appear
Exposure to blood-borne pathogens occurs when contaminated blood or blood fluids come into contact with or penetrate the skin or mucous membranes of workers.
True
What are universal precautions?
Universal precautions are measures that are always to be taken and assume that all blood and body fluids are contaminated.
Universal precautions for blood-borne Pathogens include:
Wearing personal protective equipment; not recapping needles; placing used sharps in red, labeled contains; transporting contaminated material known as regulated medical Waste in labeled containers; and disposing of regulated waste in special facilities.
