Explain the concept of infection control and asepsis.

Explanation should include

• the difference between medical and surgical asepsis
• the techniques of hand hygiene
• regulations against acrylic nails in patient care areas
• biohazard waste disposal
• the definitions of aseptic and sterile
• Bloodborne Pathogen standard Links to an external site.
• Standard Precautions
• Transmission-Based Precautions Links to an external site.
• Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act Links to an external site..

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis? When and where is each important?
• How do acrylic nails contribute to nosocomial infections in health care?
• What is the purpose of short, clean nails and hair pulled back and off the collar in the clinical area?
• What is the relationship between infection control and proper disposal of medical waste?
• How does the Bloodborne Pathogen standard protect healthcare employees from bloodborne health hazards?
• What are the basic rules of Standard Precautions?
• Why was the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act enacted?
• How are Standard Precautions different from Transmission-Based Precautions?
• When would a healthcare worker use aseptic techniques? When would a healthcare worker use sterile techniques?
• How does the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act apply to the Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens standard?
• What are the benefits of practicing respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette?