What is the correct technique for handwashing to ensure maximum effectiveness?

Friction and thorough cleaning of all surfaces

Using alcohol-based sanitizer only

What is the primary reason for drying hands thoroughly after washing?

To prevent the growth of bacteria

What is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections that can be prevented by proper hand hygiene?

Contact with contaminated hands

Which of the following steps is essential before applying soap during handwashing?

Wet hands with clean, running water

What is the proper way to turn off the tap after handwashing in a public restroom?

Using a paper towel to turn off the faucet

Infection control handwashing

7.015 Hand Hygiene: Practice observation of hand hygiene compliance via the use of a hand hygiene survey tool to be reviewed quarterly at the QAPI committee. (Chapter 10.14 Handwashing & Surgical Antisepsis) Continue infection control education through ongoing orientation to center staff routinely and annual mandatory in-service. Continue to promote hand hygiene awareness for patients and staff by means of educational materials placed throughout the center which references the CDC/WHO guidelines. Needle-stick Injuries: (Refer to Exposure Control Plan) Use of designated safety engineered needles for injections (safety glide needles for injection and autoguard IV catheters) and blood draw. New employee and annual clinical competency for injections will be provided to all staff. The staff will be trained yearly on OSHA, blood borne pathogens and PPE. 7.016 Hand Hygiene Quality in the ASCs: based on AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) Standards and guidelines Policy: All ASC staff, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers, are required to perform hand hygiene before and after any direct contact with patients, before and after any procedure, and after any contact with potentially contaminated items or surfaces. Hand hygiene must be performed using either an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. The alcohol-based hand rub must contain at least 60% alcohol. Staff members must ensure that their hands are free of debris and visible dirt before performing hand hygiene. Hand hygiene must be performed for a minimum of 20 seconds, and hands must be dried thoroughly after washing. Staff members must be trained on proper hand hygiene techniques and will be educated on a regular basis to ensure compliance with this policy. All staff members must comply with this policy and demonstrate compliance during inspections by ASC management and regulatory agencies. Any staff member who fails to comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. ASC management will monitor compliance with this policy through regular inspections and audits and will take appropriate action to address any noncompliance issues. The ASC will maintain records of staff compliance with this policy as part of its infection control program. The ASC will review and update this policy on an annual basis or more frequently as needed to ensure that it remains current with the latest guidelines and standards for hand hygiene quality.

7.03 Patients with Infectious Disease The center adheres to infection control policies to ensure the safety of patients, physicians, and staff members. Patients who are currently being treated for an infectious disease or condition that is transmitted via the contact route may not be treated at the center. Patients with disease spread via droplet (e.g. influenza) or airborne (e.g. tuberculosis, measles) routes will reschedule their procedures in consultation with their physicians. The infection control nurse, in consultation with the infection control consultant, will determine whether the patient requires isolation or other additional precautions. If a patient with current Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is treated at the center, all rooms where the patient was housed, even briefly, should be cleaned by housekeeping under supervision of the staff at the center. Physicians must document relevant information in their pre-admission documentation. Standard Precautions will be followed in the care of all patients. Cigarroa Interventional Institute establishes policies to ensure compliance with infection control policies for the care of patients with drug-resistant organisms. The physician will screen patients through the medical history review prior to scheduling a patient at the center. During the pre-operative (pre-op) phone call or interview, a pre-op screening of the patient will be conducted. Strict isolation policies are required to treat patients with active MRSA, VRSA, or tuberculosis. Since this facility has no provisions for strict isolation, those patients with active infections will be referred elsewhere for treatment. Patients who are undergoing or completed a course of antibiotic therapy, are colonized and/or are not actively infected may be treated at the center. Patients with active infections requiring transmission-based precautions are not appropriate candidates for this facility and will be referred to another facility or rescheduled. Procedures cannot be scheduled for patients currently undergoing an infection with transmission based precautions. The patient must finish the course, and they will be rescheduled. Definitions and Standards: The following definitions and standards are provided for informational purposes only: Airborne Transmission and Precautions: This mode of transmission occurs by the spreading of either airborne droplet nuclei (small particle residue of 5 microns or smaller), of evaporated droplets which contain microorganisms that remain suspended in the air for long periods of time) or dust particles containing microorganisms. Patients must be isolated in private rooms with special air handling and ventilation, and the door must remain closed. Patient transport should be restricted to essential transport only. Respiratory precautions must be taken when in the presence of patients with active tuberculosis, including respiratory masks. Droplet Transmission and Precautions: Droplets are transmitted from the host source by coughing, sneezing, talking, or during procedures such as suctioning or bronchoscopy. Patients must be isolated, and a distance of 3 feet maintained between the infected patient and others. Caregivers within 3 feet of the patient should wear a mask. Patient transport should be minimized. Contact Transmission and Precautions: Direct contact transmission involves direct body surface to body surface contact with physical transfer of microorganisms between a susceptible host and an infected person. Indirect contact transmission involves contact with an intermediate object (usually inanimate) and a susceptible host. Patients should be isolated as much as possible. Gloves and hand washing are essential for all contact with the patient and contact with objects, which come in contact with the patient. Gloves should be changed after each contact. Reportable Condition If the patient is determined to have a reportable condition at any time during pre-admission, the Director of Operations/Nurse Manager will be notified. The procedural physician will be contacted and the case will be canceled. The Department of Health will also be notified the same day following state regulations regarding Reportable Communicable Diseases. To report a disease or condition, contact: The City of Laredo Epidemiology 24/7 Reporting Line: (956) 763-2915, if unable to report locally, call The Texas Departmrent of Health Services epidemiology program: 24/7Number for Immediately Reportable – 1-800-705-8868

7.017 Fingernail Policy for ASC Personnel with Direct Patient Contact The surgical center applies this policy equitably and inclusively, and management expects staff to do so in good faith. Purpose: To prevent infection by ensuring proper hand and nail hygiene among ASC staff with direct patient contact. Policy: All ASC staff with direct patient contact must maintain clean and well-groomed fingernails and a healthy hand skin condition. Artificial Nails The ASC defines Artificial nails as press-on, extenders, studs, stones, or other objects positioned on top of the natural nail that are elevated and irregular. These are not allowed as they can be a potential source of infection and can also inhibit proper hand hygiene. Nail Enhancements The ASC defines Nail enhancements as nail paint, gel, and shellac. These are allowed, as evidence against them is weak/moderate and inconsistent, as long as they are undamaged, free of chipping, adequately maintained, and do not interfere with proper hand hygiene, job performance, or glove integrity. Staff must ensure that their nails are trimmed, clean, rounded, and at a length that does not inhibit them from performing their duties or putting themselves or their patient at risk for exposure. Staff must wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub before and after each patient encounter and after any activity that may contaminate the hands. Staff must report any cuts, sores, or other skin conditions that may prevent them from maintaining proper hand hygiene to the supervisor. Implementation: The infection Control Nurse or designee will educate staff on hand and nail hygiene, proper hand-washing techniques, and alcohol-based rubs. Supervisors will monitor staff compliance with the policy and provide corrective action as needed. The ASC will provide hand hygiene products and education materials for staff. Evaluation: The infection Control Nurse or designee will evaluate the effectiveness of this policy annually and through regular staff education and monitoring of staff compliance. Nurses are reminded of the standards of nursing practice specified in 22 Texas Administrative Code Rule 217.11 (B)(O), which includes Implementing measures to promote a safe environment for clients and others and Implementing measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions. Reference: AORN INC. (2022). Guidelines for perioperative practice.

Infection Control

Infection Control and Diseases

Infection Control & Safety

Infection Control Review

Infection Control Policies and Procedures

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