Final answer:
According to CMS standards, a healthcare facility must include hand hygiene protocols, PPE use, waste disposal, and isolation procedures for infection control. These measures ensure the safety of both patients and staff by preventing the spread of infections within the facility. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
CMS standards for infection control mandate that healthcare facilities must include specific protocols to ensure patient and staff safety and prevent the transmission of infections. These standards are focused on creating a safe and hygienic environment consistent with the health needs of the living environment. Among these requirements, facilities must implement:
- Hand hygiene protocols which include proper hand washing with soap and warm water, as well as using hand sanitizer where appropriate.
- The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent direct contact with infectious agents and minimize the risk of spreading diseases.
- Effective waste disposal methods to properly manage and dispose of potentially infectious materials.
- Isolation procedures to separate those with contagious conditions, like Marisa, to prevent the spread of infection to other patients and healthcare workers.
The choice 'a' correctly identifies these four critical components of infection control. In Marisa's case, isolation and stringent sanitation practices are essential to preventing the spread of infection within the medical facility. Notably, correct and thorough handwashing techniques are paramount for healthcare workers, particularly after handling potentially infectious materials and before and after patient contact.
Protocols for cleaning or sterilizing medical equipment are set by agencies such as the FDA and other scientific organizations, and it is the responsibility of medical facilities and their staff to adhere to these procedures to avoid patient infection from improperly cleaned equipment.
Additional infection control measures that may be utilized include proper maintenance of systems (like air conditioning) to prevent microbial growth and implementing biosafety protocols in laboratories as per CDC guidelines.