asepsis - Answers methods used to assure that the environment is pathogen-free as possible
flora - Answers a collection of bacteria normally found in a particular environment (ex: skin or GI)
methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus - Answers (MRSA) a strain of bacteria that becomes resistant
to antibacterial actions; form of penicillin
can be found on the skin, in surgical wounds, in the bloodstream, lungs, and urinary tract.
Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - Answers (VRSA) is a bacterium commonly carried on the
skin and within the nose of people. The bacteria can sometimes cause infections such as boils or
pneumonia.
is resistant to antibacterial actions
nosocomial - Answers an infection required within a healthcare setting
alcohol-based hand hygiene - Answers used in absence of visible soiling of hands; preferred over
soap/water b/c they kill more microbes, reduce drying of skin, and are convenient
procedure mask - Answers masks that are flat/pleated and affix to the head with ear loops that are used
for any nonsterile procedure
surgical masks - Answers two types: premolded, and face conforming; made specifically so no
blood/fluid penetration is possible
types of PPE? - Answers gowns, gloves, masks, google/face wear
order of putting on PPE? - Answers 1. gather supplies and wash hands
2. apply gown
3. apply mask
4. apply googles
5. apply gloves
*only apply if appropriate to precaution level
order of taking of PPE - Answers 1. discard all used supplies
2. remove gloves
3. remove googles
, 4. remove gown
5. remove mask
airborne precaution PPE? - Answers gown, gloves, mask (N-95), face shield if needed/avaliable
contact precaution PPE? - Answers gown, gloves
droplet precaution PPE? - Answers gown, gloves, mask
standard precaution PPE? - Answers gloves
standard precautions - Answers precautions developed by the CDC that ensures that universial
precautions and body substance isolation practices; used for ALL patients; helps to make everyone
equal; involves mainly just hand washing practices and wearing gloves when appropriate
contact precautions - Answers a transmission based precaution that prevents spread of harmful germs
by direct contact, using Standard Precautions, plus gown and gloves; applies to patients with stool
inconsistencies, draining wounds, pressure ulcers, bag/tubes for fluid drainage
droplet precautions - Answers measures taken to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted from an
infected person by pathogens propelled through the air only short distances (3 ft-6ft) to a susceptible
person's eyes, nose, or mouth;
-protect against droplets larger than 5 mcg (streptococcal phryngitis or pnemonia, scarlet fever, rubella,
pertussis, mumps, mycoplasma, pneumonia, meningococcal pneumonia/sepsis, pneumonic plague
- use PPE of gown, gloves, and mask
airborne precautions - Answers measures taken to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted from an
infected person by pathogens that remain infective over time and distance (> 3 ft-6ft) and are propelled
through the air to a susceptible person's eyes, nose, or mouth
Reduce the spread of airborne droplet transmission of infectious agents such as rubella, varicella, and
mycobacterium tuberculosis
PPE = gown, glove, mask (N-95), and face/eye wear
After assisting a newly admitted patient in removing his shoes and outerwear, you notice what appears
to be soil or grime on your hands. You...? - Answers a. cleanse your hands with an alcohol-based gel.
b. wash your hands with soap and water.
c. brush off the soil against a cloth surface.