The compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan should:
Select one:
A. ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important.
B. identify who to notify after an exposure and where treatment should be provided.
C. consist of a list of tasks that pose a risk for contact with blood or other body fluids.
D. address issues such as medical waste collection, storage, and ambulance disinfectior.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important.
Explanation:
The compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of the entire infection prevention strategy within a healthcare or occupational setting. The primary goal of this component is to ensure that employees are not only aware of the infection control procedures but also understand their importance and follow them consistently. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Compliance monitoring involves regularly assessing and verifying that employees are adhering to established infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and appropriate disposal of medical waste. It includes auditing practices, conducting inspections, and evaluating performance to detect lapses or non-compliance.
When employees understand what they should do and why these actions matter, they are more likely to comply with infection control measures, thereby reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protecting both patients and staff. This understanding is achieved through effective training, ongoing education, clear communication, and leadership support.
While the other options mention important aspects of an infection control plan, they are not specifically the focus of compliance monitoring:
- Option B relates more to post-exposure protocols and incident response.
- Option C refers to exposure risk assessment, which is part of the exposure control plan.
- Option D pertains to environmental services and sanitation processes, not compliance monitoring directly.
In summary, the core of compliance monitoring is ensuring that infection control guidelines are followed correctly and consistently by well-informed staff, making Option A the most accurate and appropriate answer.
