Universal Precautions, Hygiene & Infection Control
After completing this module you will:
Understand the basic concepts of infection control and universal precautions and when they are required.
Understand the correct way to clean and disinfect your Client's home.
Be able to use proper hand washing technique.
Know the correct way to dispose of contaminated materials.
Instructions:
- This is a self-study lesson that you can complete at your own pace. Take your time and think about the information.
- Feel free to make notes.
- Once you have completed all (4) required modules, you will take an online test about the information covered in each lesson.
- After completing the (4) required lessons, and passing the test, you will receive two (10) education credits.
Important Terms to Know
PATHOGENS: A common term for the germs that cause infections.
BODY FLUIDS: Blood, urine, bowel movements, vomit, saliva, mucus and any other fluid produced by the body.
INFECTION CONTROL: The various cleaning and protective procedures used to prevent the spread of an infection from one person to another.
HAND WASHING: The most important procedure used to prevent the spread of pathogens or germs from one person to another.
CONTAMINATION: Any surface touched by a body fluid or any object that has come in contact with pathogens is considered contaminated.
DISINFECTANT: A liquid that is used to decontaminate a surface.
HOUSEHOLD GLOVES: Heavy rubber gloves worn when using strong chemicals or soap and reused many times.
DISPOSABLE GLOVES: Light weight plastic gloves worn once when coming in contact with contaminated objects or fluids.
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS: Safety procedures developed by the Centers for Disease Control (a federal agency) required for anyone who may be exposed to blood and/or other body fluids in the workplace
Infection Control:
◊ Infectious Diseases are caused by germs that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
◊ Germs are spread through physical contact or through the air by sneezing or coughing.The common cold or intestinal flu can be transmitted from one person to another by touching the person or the contaminated object.
◊ The best defense against the spread of infection is your skin.
Proper hand washing is the single most important protection against
spreading infection from you to your Client or your Client to you.
Hand Washing:
When should you wash your hands:
• When you arrive at your Client’s home.
• Prior to and after providing personal care to your Client.
• After contact with any item that might be contaminated.
• After using the bathroom. Prior to and after wearing gloves.
• Before preparing or serving food. Prior to doing a medication reminder.
• After handling any item your Client has used such as clothes, towels, sheets, etc.
• Whenever you are in doubt as to whether or not you should wash your hands.
Also, if your client is unable to wash their hands at a sink, provide a warm washcloth or a basin with warm water and soap so they too can prevent spreading infection.
Hand Washing Techniques
Preparation:
• Roll up your sleeves and remove your watch.
• Have soap and towel available.
• Turn on the water.
Apply Soap:
• Moisten the soap and apply liberally to your wrists, hands and fingers.
• Vigorously rub until a thick lather results. Then rub all areas for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Rub your nails in the palm of your hand to clean them or use a brush or an orange stick to clean under your nails.
Preparation:
• Roll up your sleeves and remove your watch.
• Have soap and towel available.
• Turn on the water.
Rinse:
• Allowing the water to run down your wrists to your finger tips.
• Do not touch the sink with your hands.
Drying & Clean Up:
• Using a clean, dry paper towel, dry your hands from your wrists to your finger tips. Turn off the water using the paper towel.
• Discard the used paper towel in the wastebasket.
• Use hand lotion if your hands are dry, red or chapped.
Universal Precautions
What are Universal Precautions?
These are safety procedures developed by the Centers for Disease Control (a federal agency) required for anyone who may be exposed to blood and/or other body fluids in the workplace. Precautions taken are to provide a barrier between your skin and the fluid and/or infected material.
Why is this important? Exposure to blood and body fluids could leave someone susceptible to certain diseases that are transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids. (i.e. HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, etc.).
How can infections and diseases be transmitted?
• Breaks in the skin (even those you cannot see!).
• Contact with mucous membrane (eyes, mouth, nose).
• Unprotected physical contact.
• Sneezing and Coughing.
• Touching a contaminated surface.
When should you use Universal Precautions while caring for a client? When coming in contact with ANY of the following:
Saliva - During mouth or denture care.
Urine or Stool - Helping to use the bathroom or changing a disposable undergarment.
Vomit - While cleaning up after your Client is ill.
Blood or Weeping Rashes - While shaving your Client with a safety razor or applying nonprescription ointments to rashes.
Barriers
The use of a barriers protects against the infected material reaching your skin. Types of barriers include:
Latex gloves.
Masks, gowns and safety glasses.
Many client tasks require the use of latex gloves. Always alert your supervisor if gloves are not available
How to Safely Put On and Remove Gloves
Putting On Gloves:
• Remove your watch and any rings.
• Wash and dry your hands completely.
• Put on gloves carefully and check for any rips or tears.
• If you are wearing long sleeves, pull the cuffs of the gloves over the cuffs of your sleeves.
Taking Off Gloves:
• Using your thumb and two fingers, grab the outside surface of one glove near the cuff. Be careful that you do not touch your wrist or sleeve.
• Pull the glove off your hand, turning it inside out as you remove it.
• Holding the removed glove in the palm of your gloved hand, insert two fingers in the inside of your gloved hand. Pull the glove off, turning it inside out as you remove it.
Dispose of the Gloves Properly:
• Throw the gloves into a plastic garbage bag.
• Wash and dry your hands completely.
Tips:
• Always carry several pairs of disposable gloves with you in case of an emergency.
• If the care of your Client requires the frequent use of gloves, the family should be notified to purchase a supply.
• If you are allergic to latex gloves, tell your Supervisor so other arrangements can be made.
• Be sensitive to your Clients feelings when using gloves.
• Gently explain the needs for frequent hand washing by both of you.
• Whenever you are going to use gloves, explain to your Client the reason why. Never make it sound as if the client is “dirty” or “infectious”. Try and explain that their health is just as important as theirs and you are protecting them just as much as you are protecting yourself.
Proper Handling of Contaminated Items and Surfaces
Disinfectants should be used to clean up a surface that has been contaminated by any body fluids or items that have been contaminated. There are many commercially available products that may be available in your Client’s home. Lysol, PineSol or similar products are disinfectants.
Always read the label, avoid the fumes, never mix two products together. Always store products safely and out of reach of pets and children. An effective disinfectant you can make yourself is a mixture of one cup household bleach to one quart water.
• This mixture should be used within a few days as it loses its effectiveness quickly.
• The container that you store the mixture in should be clearly marked.
Decontamination is the process that is used to clean areas soiled by body fluids. Clean up any blood or body fluid spills immediately using gloves and a disinfectant.
• Contaminated materials such as paper towels, gloves and disposable undergarments must be disposed of in a plastic bag.
• The bag should be closed securely and taken to the outside garbage container.
Contaminated bed linens, towels and clothes should be washed and dried immediately.
• Always wear gloves when handling these items.
• Hold these items away from your clothes.
Other spills such as food or liquids should be cleaned up immediately using household rubber gloves, paper towels and a disinfectant.
Your chances of catching an infection from your Client are very small if you use good hand washing techniques, use gloves when necessary, decontaminate appropriately and use your common sense.
Other Considerations
Part of your responsibilities in caring for your Client may involve light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation. Your goal is to provide your Client with a safe, clean and pleasant environment. When you perform these tasks, always remember basic sanitation principles.
In the Kitchen:
• Wash dishes after each meal.
• Promptly refrigerate leftovers.
• Keep counter surfaces clean and uncluttered.
• Mop the floor as needed.
• Remove spoiled or out of date food from the refrigerator.
• Take the garbage out frequently, washing hands upon return.
In the Bathroom:
• Clean sink and tub with cleanser.
• Clean the toilet with bowl cleaner.
• Wipe and polish the mirror.
• Mop the floor as needed.
In the Bedroom:
• Sheets and pillow cases should be changed at least weekly, use gloves if sheet are soiled.
• Some Clients have difficulty controlling their bladder and bowels. Your role is to assist your Client in cleaning the soiled areas and putting on a clean disposable undergarment. Never reuse a soiled disposable undergarment.
REMEMBER: If you have any doubts, consider the item contaminated and use appropriate measures. You play an important part in safe guarding your Client and yourself from infections.
You have completed the Universal Precautions, Hygiene & Infection Control module!
Please complete the remaining required modules before taking the online test.