A Nurse Is Participating On A Committee That Is Revising The Facility's Policies And Procedures For Infection Control. Which Of The Following Instructions Should The Nurse Recommend Including In The Facility's Infection Control Manual?A. Double-bag
Infection Control Manual: Essential Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities
As a nurse participating in a committee revising the facility's policies and procedures for infection control, it is crucial to include essential guidelines in the infection control manual to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The following instructions should be recommended for inclusion in the facility's infection control manual:
Proper Disposal of Biohazardous Waste
- Double-bagging: This involves placing biohazardous waste in a leak-proof bag and then placing that bag inside another leak-proof bag. This ensures that the waste is properly contained and reduces the risk of exposure to infectious materials.
- Labeling: All biohazardous waste must be labeled with the biohazard symbol and the words "Biohazard" or "Infectious Waste."
- Segregation: Biohazardous waste must be segregated from non-hazardous waste and stored in a designated area.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is the most critical aspect of infection control. Nurses should recommend that staff wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with patients, before and after using PPE, and after removing PPE.
- Gloves: Gloves should be worn when interacting with patients who have a known or suspected infectious disease. Gloves should be changed between patients and after removing PPE.
- Gowns and Masks: Gowns and masks should be worn when interacting with patients who have a known or suspected infectious disease. Gowns should be changed between patients and after removing PPE.
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Cleaning: All surfaces and equipment must be cleaned with a detergent solution before disinfection.
- Disinfection: All surfaces and equipment must be disinfected with a disinfectant solution that is effective against the target microorganism.
- Frequency: Cleaning and disinfection must be performed at least daily, and more frequently in high-risk areas.
Isolation Precautions
- Contact Isolation: Patients with a known or suspected infectious disease must be placed on contact isolation. This involves placing the patient in a private room with a sign indicating that the patient is on contact isolation.
- Droplet Isolation: Patients with a known or suspected infectious disease that is transmitted through droplets must be placed on droplet isolation. This involves placing the patient in a private room with a sign indicating that the patient is on droplet isolation.
- Airborne Isolation: Patients with a known or suspected infectious disease that is transmitted through the air must be placed on airborne isolation. This involves placing the patient in a private room with a sign indicating that the patient is on airborne isolation.
Vaccination and Immunization
- Staff Vaccination: All staff must be vaccinated against infectious diseases that are preventable through vaccination.
- Patient Vaccination: Patients must be vaccinated against infectious diseases that are preventable through vaccination.
- Immunization: Patients must be immunized against infectious diseases that are preventable through immunization.
Reporting and Investigation
- Reporting: All incidents involving infectious diseases must be reported to the infection control committee.
- Investigation: All incidents involving infectious diseases must be investigated to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
By including these instructions in the facility's infection control manual, nurses can help ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors, and reduce the risk of infection transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Infection Control Manual
As a nurse participating in a committee revising the facility's policies and procedures for infection control, it is essential to address common questions and concerns related to the infection control manual. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Q: What is the purpose of the infection control manual?
A: The purpose of the infection control manual is to provide guidelines and procedures for preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare facilities.
Q: Who is responsible for implementing the infection control manual?
A: All staff members are responsible for implementing the infection control manual. This includes nurses, doctors, administrative staff, and other healthcare professionals.
Q: What are the key components of the infection control manual?
A: The key components of the infection control manual include:
- Proper disposal of biohazardous waste
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Isolation precautions
- Vaccination and immunization
- Reporting and investigation
Q: What is the importance of hand hygiene in infection control?
A: Hand hygiene is the most critical aspect of infection control. It is essential to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with patients, before and after using PPE, and after removing PPE.
Q: What is the difference between contact isolation and droplet isolation?
A: Contact isolation involves placing a patient in a private room with a sign indicating that the patient is on contact isolation. This is used for patients with a known or suspected infectious disease that is transmitted through direct contact. Droplet isolation involves placing a patient in a private room with a sign indicating that the patient is on droplet isolation. This is used for patients with a known or suspected infectious disease that is transmitted through droplets.
Q: What is the purpose of labeling biohazardous waste?
A: Labeling biohazardous waste with the biohazard symbol and the words "Biohazard" or "Infectious Waste" ensures that the waste is properly identified and handled.
Q: How often should cleaning and disinfection be performed?
A: Cleaning and disinfection must be performed at least daily, and more frequently in high-risk areas.
Q: What is the importance of vaccination and immunization in infection control?
A: Vaccination and immunization are essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. All staff and patients must be vaccinated against infectious diseases that are preventable through vaccination.
Q: What is the purpose of reporting and investigation in infection control?
A: Reporting and investigation are essential in identifying and addressing incidents involving infectious diseases. This helps to prevent future incidents and ensures a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
By addressing these frequently asked questions and answers, nurses can help ensure that the infection control manual is effective in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare facilities.