Infection Control, PPE & Preventing Illness Flashcard

Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent illness as it removes germs and contaminants from hands, reducing the risk of infection. While disinfecting surfaces, using gloves, and wearing masks are helpful, they are not as effective as proper hand hygiene.

Washing hands frequently is a preventive measure against infections, not a way they spread. The other options—touching contaminated surfaces, improper cleaning, and coughing or sneezing—are all methods through which infections can be transmitted.

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before preparing food to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. This is crucial for maintaining hygiene.

The correct alcohol percentage for effective hand sanitizer is 60%. This concentration is optimal for killing germs while minimizing skin irritation, making it suitable when soap and water are unavailable.

Touching clean surfaces with dirty gloves is cross contamination, as it transfers harmful bacteria from the gloves to the surfaces. The other options promote hygiene and separation of food, preventing contamination.

If you notice stool on your gloves, you should remove them, wash your hands to prevent contamination, and put on new gloves. This ensures proper hygiene and safety for both you and the client.

Washing gloves for reuse is NOT a correct practice, as it can lead to contamination. Gloves should be changed between tasks and hands washed after removal to ensure safety.

If a client is coughing repeatedly and feels warm, it's crucial to notify your supervisor and document your observations. This ensures proper care and response to potential health issues.

Washing soiled items separately is crucial for laundry safety as it prevents the spread of bacteria and contaminants. The other options can lead to ineffective cleaning or increased risk of cross-contamination.

If a client shows signs of illness, it's crucial to report all relevant symptoms, including exposure to infectious diseases, skin infections, and new confusion. Therefore, the correct choice is 'All of the above'.