Infection ControlQuestion 72 of 100
Plastic barriers cover the light handles, chair controls, and air-water syringe. How should they be managed?
a.Wiped with disinfectant and left in place for the rest of the day
b.Removed while still gloved after each patient, then replaced with fresh barriers after hand hygiene
c.Left on for a week because they are impervious
d.Removed only if they appear visibly soiled
Explanation
Barriers are removed with gloved hands after each patient, discarded, and replaced with fresh barriers once hands have been cleaned and regloved, since the barrier surface is considered contaminated. Wiping a barrier and reusing it defeats its purpose. Contamination is frequently invisible, so leaving barriers up for a day, a week, or until they look dirty allows cross-contamination.
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