2 Infection Control
Note 1: This book is written to cover every item listed as testable on the Entry Level Examination (ELE), Written Registry Examination (WRE), and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
The listed code for each item is taken from the National Board for Respiratory Care’s (NBRC) Summary Content Outline for CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) and Written RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) Examinations (http://evolve.elsevier.com/Sills/resptherapist/). For example, if an item is testable on both the ELE and the WRE, it will be shown simply as (Code: …). If an item is testable only on the ELE, it will be shown as (ELE code: …). If an item is testable only on the WRE, it will be shown as (WRE code: …).
MODULE A
1. Hand washing or cleansing
2. Standard precautions
Standard (formerly called Universal) Precautions are designed for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. Barriers such as gloves and masks and other procedures are used to prevent contact with body fluids. This approach to patient care has been adopted because of the concern of health care workers and the public that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, or other deadly pathogens may be spread unknowingly by contact. Box 2-1 includes specific standard precaution guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
BOX 2-1 Precautions to Prevent the Spread of Infection
EXCLUSION FROM PATIENT CONTACT
Any health care worker with exudative skin lesions should not work in the direct care of patients.
BARRIERS
NEEDLE AND INSTRUMENT PRECAUTIONS
PATIENT SPECIMENS
3. Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
4. Respiratory care equipment and procedures
5. Implement transmission prevention protocols
a. Airborne precautions
3. Respiratory protection
4. Eye protection
Health care workers should wear goggles or a face shield when within 3 feet of the patient.