One of the following is not the function of cleaning and washing of articles

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Infection control is paramount in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. The correct answer, C) Avoid survival of bacteria, is not a function of cleaning and washing of articles. The primary goal of cleaning and washing is to remove dirt, organic material, and reduce the number of microorganisms present on the surface. By physically removing these contaminants, the risk of infection transmission is significantly decreased. Option A, reducing the number of microorganisms, is a key function of cleaning and washing. By using appropriate cleaning agents and techniques, the microbial load on surfaces can be effectively reduced. Option B, removing dirty materials, is also essential as dirt and organic matter can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, contributing to the spread of infections. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the functions of cleaning and washing in infection control is crucial for healthcare professionals. By comprehending the purpose of these practices, healthcare workers can ensure a safe and hygienic environment for both themselves and their patients. Emphasizing the importance of proper cleaning protocols and techniques can lead to a significant reduction in healthcare-associated infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Doctors. The rationale behind this is rooted in several factors. Doctors, due to their heavy workload, often face time constraints that can lead to neglecting proper hand hygiene practices. Additionally, the hierarchical structure in healthcare settings may make it less likely for doctors to be reminded or corrected regarding hand hygiene by their peers or superiors. Nurses, on the other hand, are generally more vigilant about hand hygiene as it is a central part of their training and daily practice. They often serve as role models for other healthcare workers in this regard. Medical students, while still learning, are often closely supervised and reminded about the importance of hand hygiene in their educational curriculum. Physiotherapists, although important in patient care, may not have the same level of direct contact with bodily fluids or infectious materials as doctors and nurses, thus their compliance rates may not be as closely scrutinized. In an educational context, understanding these compliance rates among healthcare workers is crucial for educators and healthcare institutions. By knowing which groups may have lower compliance rates, targeted educational interventions can be implemented to improve hand hygiene practices among these professionals. This not only protects the healthcare workers themselves but also significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections among patients, ultimately improving overall patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Monitoring compliance rates and giving feedback on performance. This strategy is effective in improving healthcare workers' hand hygiene compliance rates because it involves continuous monitoring of behavior and providing feedback to the individuals. By tracking compliance rates, healthcare facilities can identify trends, areas of improvement, and provide targeted interventions to address any deficiencies. Regular feedback reinforces positive behavior and helps in maintaining high standards of hand hygiene. Option A) Fine or give verbal warnings to health-care workers who do not comply is not an ideal strategy for improving hand hygiene compliance. This approach can create a negative work environment, foster resentment among staff, and may not necessarily lead to sustained behavior change. Punitive measures are generally not effective in promoting long-term adherence to hand hygiene protocols. Option B) Give each healthcare worker their own bar of soap is not a comprehensive strategy for improving hand hygiene compliance rates. While providing personal hygiene products is important, it is not sufficient on its own to address the complex factors influencing hand hygiene behavior in a healthcare setting. Option C) Place cotton hand towels at each wash basin is also not the most effective strategy for improving hand hygiene compliance rates. While having readily available hand towels is important for proper hand drying, it does not directly address the key factor of hand hygiene compliance, which is the actual washing of hands with soap and water or sanitizer. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare workers to understand the importance of hand hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated infections. By implementing evidence-based strategies such as monitoring compliance rates and providing feedback, healthcare facilities can create a culture of safety and accountability, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a healthier work environment.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) prion. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy caused by prions, which are abnormal proteins that can cause normal proteins in the brain to become misfolded and lead to neurodegeneration. Prions are unique infectious agents as they lack nucleic acid and are highly resistant to standard sterilization methods. Option A) helminth is incorrect because helminths are parasitic worms, not the causative agent of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Option B) diphtheroid is incorrect as diphtheroids are a type of bacteria, not associated with prion diseases. Option C) spirochete is also incorrect because spirochetes are a type of bacteria that cause diseases like syphilis and Lyme disease, not Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Educationally, understanding the causative agent of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in infection control and neurology. Recognizing prions as the cause emphasizes the unique nature of prion diseases and the challenges they pose in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This knowledge is essential for implementing appropriate infection control measures and providing accurate information to patients and their families.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B) Maintaining a sterile, closed drainage system. This is the most important action to reduce urinary tract infections in a long-term care facility because keeping the drainage system closed and sterile helps prevent the entry of bacteria into the urinary tract, which is a common cause of infections. Option A) is not the most important action as meatal care alone may not be sufficient to prevent infections, especially if the drainage system is not maintained properly. Option C) of changing catheters every 7 days can actually increase the risk of infections as it introduces more opportunities for bacteria to enter the urinary tract during catheter changes. Option D) of continuous antibiotic bladder irrigation is not recommended for all patients as it can lead to antibiotic resistance and other complications. In an educational context, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of maintaining a sterile, closed drainage system in preventing urinary tract infections. Educating healthcare providers and staff on proper catheter care, infection control measures, and the risks associated with unnecessary interventions can help reduce the incidence of infections and improve patient outcomes in long-term care settings.