Infection Prevention and Control in the Dialysis Unit
The Infection Prevention and Control domain tests standard precautions, hand hygiene, catheter and access care, vaccination, isolation and environmental cleaning in the dialysis unit.
Core rules
- Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact; gloves do not replace hand hygiene.
- Use aseptic technique for catheter exit sites, needle insertion and medication preparation; disinfect hubs.
- Vaccinate against hepatitis B and influenza; screen and isolate per policy; follow needlestick and exposure protocols.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and machines between patients; follow bloodborne pathogen regulations.
Worked example
A nurse sustains a needlestick from a patient with hepatitis C. Wash the site with soap and water, report immediately, obtain baseline testing and follow post-exposure surveillance; HCV has no routine post-exposure prophylaxis, but early treatment may be indicated if infection occurs.
Traps
Do not recap needles; do not skip hand hygiene after glove removal; do not assume hepatitis B vaccination guarantees immunity without checking titers; do not share supplies between stations. Use single-use supplies and follow isolation signage.