1-8 Control of Microorganisms: Infection Control, Sterilization, and Disinfection Flashcards
Type of isolation for patient diagnosed with MRSA pneumonia?
Contact isolation
Chain of infection
Transmission occurs when the agent leaves its reservoir or host through a portal of exit, is conveyed by some mode of transmission and enters though an appropriate portal of entry to infect a susceptible host
HAI’s are associated with several risk factors
Hospital associated infections
use of indwelling medical devices
tranmissions between patients and workers
surgical procedures
endoscopes
nosocomial infections
single best way to prevent nosocomial infections?
soap and water
standard precautions
§ Clean hands, cover mouth/nose with arm/tissue, wear gown/glove/mask/eye protection as needed.
airborne precautions
Used for patients known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms transmitted by small-particle residue of droplets (
droplet precautions
for patients known/suspected infected with microorganisms transmitted by droplets less than 5uM generated by coughing or sneezing
Use of surgical masks and gown when entering room along with hand washing.
Contact Precautions
§ Used for patients known or suspected to be infected or colonized with epidemiologically important microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct contact with the patient or indirect contact with patient’s environment surfaces or patient-care items used.
□ MRSA, scabies, wounds or abscesses with uncontained drainage
Use gown when entering room and alcohol based hand washing products allowed
o Contact PLUS Precaution
§ Used for patients known or suspected to have serious illnesses easily transmitted by direct patient contact or by contact with items and surfaces in the patient’s environment.
□ C. diff, noro/rotavirus/E. coli, salmonella or other enteric infections
□ Hand hygiene with soap and water (not alcohol-why is this?) and room must be disinfected with bleach
Reverse (protective) isolation
§ A method to prevent a patient in a compromised health situation from being contaminated by other people or objects
□ Neutropenic patients with reduced immune function from chemotherapy (reduced WBC count)
Individuals entering room wear mask, gloves, and gown.
sterilization
Results in the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial and fungal spores
o Living tissue cannot be sterilized
Disinfection
Results in the destruction of specific pathogenic microorganisms-does not necessarily result in sterilization
Kills nearly all microorganisms except bacterial spores
Decontamination
Removal of debris, blood, and proteins-and most microorganisms-not necessarily rendering the device “safe to handle” by HCWs who are not wearing protective attire.
Antisepsis
An agent is one that has been formulated for use on skin or mucous membranes to prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. (Antiseptics should NOT be used to decontaminant inanimate objects).
Reduction of microorganisms on living tissue/skin…this can be both external or internal surfaces
Can also be used on inanimate objects related to medical/surgical care
critical items
instruments that come into contact directly with blood stream
physical methods are used to sterilize
