Universities' Collaboration in eLearning (UCEL)
RLO: Hand Hygiene
Cross Infection
Imagine you are looking after poor Mrs Smith. She has a runny nose, loose bowels and itchy skin. Thinking back to the reservoirs of infection, click on three things in the picture opposite that could potentially contaminate your hands with disease-causing micro-organisms.
Yes
Yes, bodily fluids are a reservoir for micro-organisms and Mrs Smith's loose bowels may be a symptom of gastro-intestinal infection. Your hands could become contaminated when touching the commode and you could then pass this infection on to others.
Yes
Yes, skin is a reservoir of micro organisms and Mrs Smith's may have a skin infection causing her itchiness. Your hands may become contaminated by touching Mrs Msith and you could then transfer this infection to another patient.
Yes
Yes, mucus and sputum are bodily fluids that may be reservoirs of infection. Mrs Smith may have a viral infection causing her runny nose. by touching her used tissues, you could contaminate her hands and spread the virus to others.
No
No, try again. Think about the reservoirs of infection and Mrs Smith's symptoms.