Standard Precautions

Standard Precautions These are guidelines to be used when there is contact with blood, any body fluid (except sweat), mucous membranes, and non- intact skin.

Hand Washing Single most effective way to prevent infections Wash hands after touching body fluids even if had on gloves Wash hands immediately after removing gloves and between patient contacts

Hand Washing Use a plain (non- antimicrobial soap Wash for a minimum of 10 seconds

Gloves Wear when touching blood, body fluids, etc.

Mask, Eye Protection, Face Shield and Gown Wear these during patient care activities that may generate splashes or sprays

Patient care equipment and linens Handle with care Don’t let it touch your clothing Clean or discard appropriately

Needles Never recap used needles Dispose of all needles and sharp objects in sharps container

Resuscitation Use mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices as an alternative to mouth- to-mouth resuscitation

Isolation A person who contaminates the environment should be in a private room or relatively isolated area

Critical Thinking Time A friend has a bloody nose and you are going to help him clean it up. What should you do FIRST?

Critical Thinking When should a health care worker wear eye protection?

Critical Thinking Thomas is a patient who has AIDS but he has no open sores on his body. He asks you to give him a backrub? What protective devices do you need to put on?

Critical Thinking You are a nursing assistant. Which one of these tasks would you need to wear gloves to do? a. Helping a client get out of bed b. Serving a meal tray c. Changing a non-sterile dressing d. Taking a blood pressure

Critical Thinking Which one of these health care workers needs to wear a mask? A doctor taking a blood pressure An optometrist examining eyes A dental hygienist cleaning teeth A nursing assistant cleaning a wheelchair with disinfectant

Your patient has AIDS. Which statement is true? Gloves should be worn at all times. Gloves should be worn anytime you touch the patient. Gowns should be worn at all times. Gowns should be worn when contact with blood or body fluids is likely.

Which of these should a health care worker never do? Carry soiled linen away from the body. Discard single use patient care equipment. Recap used needles. Use mouthpieces when resuscitating a patient.