CNA Chapter 6: Infection Prevention

In which of the following parts of the body are mucous membranes found? a. Feet b. Hands c. Genitals d. Elbows

c. Genitals

resistance to infection by a specific pathogen

immunity

The period of time between exposure to a pathogen and the time it causes visible signs and symptoms of disease or illness

incubation period

Pathogens grow best in what type of environment?

warm, dark, and moist places where food is present and in hosts who have low resistance

What should a NA do before entering a clean utility room?

wash hands

What should a NA do before leaving a dirty utility room?

wash hands then assure that they do not touch anything in the dirty room including door handles after washing the hands

bacteria (enterococci) that have developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin

VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus)

Infection prevention is a. The way in which infections occur b. An infection limited to a specific part of the body c. A set of methods used to prevent the spread of disease d. An object that has not been contaminated with pathogens

c. A set of methods used to prevent the spread of disease

A susceptible host is a. An infected person who could transfer disease to others b. A pathogen that causes disease c. An uninfected person who could get sick d. A healthy person with strong resistance to disease

c. An uninfected person who could get sick

One sign of a localized infection is a. Chills b. Headache c. Drainage from a wound or cavity d. Mental confusion

c. Drainage from a wound or cavity

Making an area or object free of all microorganisms is called a. Infection prevention b. Disinfection c. Transmission d. Surgical asepsis

d. Surgical asepsis

an infection acquired within a healthcare setting during the delivery of medical care; can be localized or systematic

healthcare-associated infection (HAI)

inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma

hepatitis

microorganisms that are capable of causing infection and disease

pathogens

skin that is broken by abrasions, cuts, rashes, acne, pimples, lesions, surgical incisions, or boils

non-intact skin

microorganisms that normally live in and on the body and do not cause harm in a healthy person, as long as the flora remain in that particular location

normal flora

care of the genitals and anal area

perineal care

equipment that helps protect employees from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with workplace hazards

personal protective equipment (PPE)

to remove

doff

to put on

don

microorganisms found in human blood that can cause infection and disease

bloodborne pathogens

What is the incubation period for chickenpox, influenza (flu), and measles?

10-21 days, 1-4 days, and 7-21 days respectively

What are reasons the elderly are more susceptible to infection.

-skin becomes less elastic/dry, heals slower -bones become more brittle and break more easily -more exposure through catheters/food tubes -malnutrition/dehydration increases risk for infection

What are the 6 links in the chain of infection?

1. Causative/Infectious Agent 2. Reservoir 3. Portal of Exit 4. Mode of Transmission 5. Portal of Entry 6. Susceptible Host

a bacterium that is spread by spores in feces that are difficult to kill; it causes symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea and can lead to serious inflammation of the colon (colitis)

C. difficile (C. diff, clostridium difficile)

federal government agency responsible for improving the overall health and safety of the people in the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

True/False: When wearing gloves the NA does not have to wash hands.

False! The NA should wash hands before and after wearing gloves

True/False: Medical asepsis makes an area or object free from all microorganisms

False! This is sterile technique or surgical asepsis

bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that have developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

a federal government agency that makes and enforces rules to protect workers from hazards on the job

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

What type of disease is measles?

a highly contagious communicable disease

tears, saliva, sputum (mucus coughed up), urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, pus or other wound drainage, and vomit

body fluids

Why would a resident be in isolation? a. Because the resident requires Transmission-Based Precautions b. Because the resident requires Standard Precautions c. Because the resident cannot get along with other residents d. Because the resident cannot be managed by staff

a. Because the resident requires Transmission-Based Precautions

Infection prevention for the portal of exit link in the chain of infection could include: a. Covering the mouth when sneezing b. Keeping surfaces clean and dry c. Getting a vaccine for a particular disease d. Handwashing

a. Covering the mouth when sneezing

What should a nursing assistant do if he spills a substance on his body? a. Immediately wash the area using the proper cleaning agent b. Ignore it unless it is painful or uncomfortable c. Finish cleaning the area before washing the spill off his body d. Find the nurse and ask her what to do

a. Immediately wash the area using the proper cleaning agent

How many links of the chain of infection must be broken to prevent infection? a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four

a. One

Which of the following is the proper order to don personal protective equipment (PPE)? a. Put on gown, mask, goggles, and gloves b. Put on gloves, gown, and mask and goggles c. Put on mask and goggles, gloves, and gown d. Put on gown, gloves, and mask and goggles

a. Put on gown, mask, goggles, and gloves

Droplets normally do not travel more than a. Six feet b. Two feet c. Eight feet d. Ten feet

a. Six feet

When pathogens enter the bloodstream and move throughout the body, a_____ has occurred a. Systemic infection b. Localized infection c. Healthcare-associated infection d. Cross-infection

a. Systemic infection

What is one responsibility of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)? a. To make rules to protect workers from hazards on the job b. To help resolve conflicts between residents and staff members c. To provide PPE for employees, visitors, and residents of facilities d. To provide training on cultural tolerance

a. To make rules to protect workers from hazards on the job

an agent that destroys, resists, or prevents the development of pathogens

antimicrobial

This device uses toxic gases, dry heat, strong chemical solutions, or radiation to sterilize objects and kill pathogens that form spores.

autoclave

an appliance used to sterilize medical instruments or other objects by using steam under pressure

autoclave

A causative agent is: a. Any microorganism in the body b. A pathogen or microorganism that causes disease c. Normal flora that lives in or on the body d. The waiting period between the time the pathogen enters the body andthe time it causes infection

b. A pathogen or microorganism that causes disease

When washing hands, a nursing assistant should use friction for a. At least 25 seconds b. At least 20 seconds c. At least 15 seconds d. At least 5 seconds

b. At least 20 seconds

_____ destroys pathogens but not all pathogens, while _____ destroys all microorganisms, including those that form spores a. Sterilization, disinfection b. Disinfection, sterilization c. Asepsis, transmission d. Transmission, asepsis

b. Disinfection, sterilization

Which of the following is a reason that people are at greater risk for infection as they get older? a. As people age, their immune systems become stronger b. Elderly people are hospitalized more often c. Older people recover from illness more quickly d. Infections tend to be less dangerous to older people

b. Elderly people are hospitalized more often

Which of the following statements is true of hepatitis B (HBV)? a. HBV is not a serious threat to healthcare workers. b. The vaccine for HBV helps prevent the disease. c. HBV is spread by drinking contaminated water. d. HBV cannot cause death.

b. The vaccine for HBV helps prevent the disease.

What is the best way to control methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)? a. By placing residents in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) b. Through proper handwashing c. By wearing surgical masks d. By taking the antibiotic vancomycin

b. Through proper handwashing

Standard Precautions means a. Not performing care on residents who have infectious diseases b. Treating all blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes as if they were infected c. Asking all residents if they have infectious diseases before performing care d. Looking at residents' charts to determine if they have an infectious disease

b. Treating all blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes as if they were infected

When handling dirty linen, a nursing assistant should a. Carry it close to her uniform b. Wear gloves c. Fold or roll it so the dirty area is on the outside d. Shake it to remove any particles before disposing of it

b. Wear gloves

federal law requiring that healthcare facilities protect employees from bloodborne health hazards

bloodborne pathogen standard

Which of the following statements is true of gloves? a. Gloves do not need to be worn when shaving a resident. b. Disposable gloves can be washed and reused once they are clean. c. Gloves should be worn when performing care on a resident who has broken skin. d. After giving care, gloves are normally not contaminated.

c. Gloves should be worn when performing care on a resident who has broken skin.

A mask and goggles should be worn a. During all care procedures b. When caring for a resident with any infectious disease c. If contact with splashing or spraying blood or body fluids is likely d. At all times while in the facility

c. If contact with splashing or spraying blood or body fluids is likely

Where is the best place to dispose of sharps? a. In the trash can in the resident's room b. In the closest disposal container c. In a puncture-proof biohazard container d. With reusable equipment waiting to be cleaned and reprocessed

c. In a puncture-proof biohazard container

Which of the following is true of Transmission-Based Precautions? a. An NA does not need to practice Standard Precautions if he practices Transmission-Based Precautions. b. They are exactly the same as Standard Precautions. c. They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions. d. They will not be listed in the care plan so as not to alarm anyone.

c. They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions.

The most important thing a nursing assistant can do to prevent the spread of disease is to a. Wear gloves and other PPE b. Get vaccinated for common illnesses c. Wash her hands d. Use lotions to reduce the risk of broken skin

c. Wash her hands

When a nursing assistant leaves a dirty utility room, what must she do to avoid transferring pathogens to other areas of the facility? a. Change her gloves b. Disinfect any equipment she has used c. Wash her hands d. Close the door securely

c. Wash her hands

With whom should a nursing assistant use Standard Precautions? a. With a resident who says he has an infectious disease b. With a resident he suspects might have infectious diseases c. With every resident in his care d. With a resident who requests that they be used

c. With every resident in his care

bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) that have developed resistance to carbapenems, which are types of antibiotics

carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

person who carries a pathogen, usually without signs or symptoms of disease, but who can still spread the disease

carrier

tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to administer or drain fluid

catheter

a condition in which an object has not been contaminated with pathogens

clean

What type of disease is influenza?

communicable disease

an infectious disease transmissible by direct contact or by indirect contact

communicable disease

a type of communicable disease that spreads quickly from person to person

contagious disease

soiled, unclean; having disease-causing organisms or infectious material on it.

contaminated

the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another, or from one part of the body to another

cross-infection or cross-contamination

What is one way that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread? a. Through the air when an infected person coughs b. By hugging an infected person c. By standing next to an infected person d. By contact with an infected person's blood

d. By contact with an infected person's blood

Which of the following increases the risk of infection in older adults? a. Thicker skin b. Higher intake of fluids c. Stronger appetite d. Catheter use

d. Catheter use

An object can be called clean if: a. It has not been used on or near a sick resident b. No dirt or debris is visible on the object c. It has been contaminated with pathogens d. It has not been contaminated with pathogens

d. It has not been contaminated with pathogens

How should residents in isolation be treated? a. They should be left alone. b. Their behavior should be monitored closely to make sure they do not infect anyone else. c. They should not be allowed to use the phone or use utensils. d. They should be listened to and encouraged to share their feelings and concerns.

d. They should be listened to and encouraged to share their feelings and concerns.

How are bloodborne diseases transmitted? a. By hugging an infected person b. By touching something an infected person has touched c. By standing too close to an infected person when he coughs d. Through contact with blood or body fluids

d. Through contact with blood or body fluids

Under Standard Precautions, the term body fluids includes a. Sweat b. Water c. Juice d. Urine

d. Urine

Hand hygiene is a. Washing hands with soap and water only b. Using alcohol-based hand rubs only c. Wearing gloves when performing care procedures d. Washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs

d. Washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs

an excessive loss of water from the body; a condition that occurs when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake

dehydration

way to transmit pathogens through touching the infected person or his or her secretions

direct contact

a condition in which an object has been contaminated with pathogens

dirty

process that destroys most pathogens and other types of microorganisms, but not all pathogens

disinfection

flow of fluids from a wound or cavity

drainage

plan that outlines specific work practices to prevent exposure to infectious material and identifies step-by-step procedures to follow when exposures do occur

exposure control plan

specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employees duties

exposure incident

What are the 6 symptoms of systematic infection?

fever, chills, headache, change in other vital signs, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, mental confusion

an object that is contaminated with a pathogen and can spread the pathogen to another person

fomite

washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water and using alcohol-based hand rubs

hand hygiene

an alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands

hand rub

A disease not capable of being spread from one person to another

non-communicable disease

a way to transmit pathogens by touching something contaminated by the infected person

indirect contact

the state resulting from pathogens invading the body and multiplying

infection

set of methods used to prevent and control the spread of disease

infection prevention

any disease caused by growth of a pathogen

infectious disease

to keep something separate, or by itself

isolate

an infection that is limited to a specific location in the body and has local symptoms

localized infection

What places can be considered a healthcare setting?

long term care facilities, hospitals, ambulatory care settings, and home care

a serious condition in which a person is not getting proper nutrition

malnutrition

refers to practices such as handwashing that reduce, remove, and control the spread of microorganisms

medical asepsis

a living thing or organism that is so small that it is only visible under a microscope

microorganism (MO) or microbe

the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, or genitals

mucous membranes

microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents that are commonly used for treatment

multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)

What are the 5 symptoms of localized infection that should be reported to the nurse immediately

redness, swelling, pain, heat, drainage

being infected again with the same pathogen

reinfection

some reasons for lowered _____________ include age, existing illnesses, fatigue, poor nutrition, lack of adequate fluid intake, certain medications, and stress

resistance

the body's ability to prevent infection and disease

resistance

ways individuals and communities maintain clean, hygienic conditions that help prevent disease, such as the disposal of sewage and solid waste

sanitation

a method of infection prevention in which all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes are treated as if they were infected with an infectious disease

standard precautions

a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including those that form spores

sterilization

the state of being completely free of microorganisms

surgical asepsis or sterile technique

What type of infection is AIDS

systematic infection

an infection that is in the bloodstream and is spread throughout the body causing general symptoms such as fever, chills, or mental confusion

systematic infection

the way and means by which a disease is spread

transmission

a product that is administered that is used to produce immunity to a specific disease

vaccine