Standard/Universal Precautions Flashcard
Rationale
D. Rationale: All of the above are objectives of bloodborne pathogen training. Knowing how pathogens are transmitted, how to protect yourself from transmission, and how to respond in the case of an exposure are critical elements to working safely in an environment where bloodborne pathogen exposure may occur.
Question
During bloodborne pathogen training, you should:
a. Understand the way pathogens are transmitted
b. Understand the steps to take if you or others are exposed
c. Know how to minimize exposure to pathogens
d. All of the above
Answer
d. All of the above
Rationale
C. Rationale: Standard precaution protocols include practicing hand hygiene, wearing personal protective equipment, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette. In healthcare institutions, additional standard precautions involve safe injection practices and safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces.
Question
Of the following, one that is part of the standard precautions protocol for infection control is:
a. Prophylactic medication
b. Vaccination
c. Hand hygiene
d. Frequent testing
Answer
c. Hand hygiene
Rationale
D. Rationale: Standard precautions should be followed in all situations when tending to patients, even when the presence of an infectious agent is not apparent, or the risk is thought to be negligible.
Question
Rescuers should practice standard precautions:
a. When a patient is known to have HIV
b. When the risk of an infectious agent is negligible
c. When there is no known disease present
d. In all types of rescue situations
Answer
d. In all types of rescue situations
Rationale
A. Rationale: Universal precautions states that all bodily fluids (e.g., saliva, blood, urine) may carry bloodborne pathogens that can potentially infect a rescuer. Healthcare personnel should always take precautions to prevent transmission. This mantra must be ingrained in trained rescuers so that they can take steps to protect themselves when caring for patients.
Question
The most basic concept for protecting a rescuer from the transmission of infectious diseases when giving care to a patient is known as:
a. Universal precautions
b. Special considerations
c. Chain of survival
d. Personal protection policies
Answer
a. Universal precautions
Rationale
B. Rationale: The principle of universal precautions urges rescuers to assume that ALL human bodily fluids (blood, secretions, and vomitus) carry bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus and to always take precautions to prevent transmission.
Question
Which of the following represents the principle of universal precautions?
a. Urges the rescuer to ensure scene safety when tending to a patient in distress
b. Assumes that all human bodily fluids and blood carry bloodborne pathogens
c. Implies that accidents happen anywhere at any time
d. Observed by rescuers so that they will know what to do to control bleeding
Answer
b. Assumes that all human bodily fluids and blood carry bloodborne pathogens
Rationale
B. Rationale: Rescuers practice universal precautions when applying measures that prevent contamination and transmission of bloodborne pathogens to and from the patient. The principle of universal precautions includes the use of personal protective equipment and practicing proper handwashing techniques.
Question
Which one of the following interventions is an example of rescuers observing universal precautions?
a. Moving the patient to a safe area
b. Observing proper handwashing procedure
c. Always having a first aid kit available
d. Applying pressure to the bleeding site
Answer
b. Observing proper
Rationale
B. Rationale: Standard precaution protocols instruct healthcare providers to perform hand hygiene after touching patients and their surroundings.
Question
You have just collected and recorded the urine input-output of a trauma patient from the urine collection bag and need to check another patient’s blood pressure. What should you do first before tending to the other patient?
a. Put on new latex gloves
b. Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
c. Get the sphygmomanometer
d. Have someone else do the procedure for you
Answer
b. Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer