1.2 Infection Control and PPE

Question 1

Infection Cyclic Process

Answer 1

Infection is a disease state that results from presence of pathogens

Cyclic Process

• Infectious Agent (Bacteria - Most Common, virus, fungi)
• Reservoir (Natural habitat of organism)
• Portal of Exit (Escape from reservoir)
• Means of Transportation
• Portal of Entry (Enters susceptible host)
• Susceptible Host (decreased resistance)

Question 2

Stages of Infection

Answer 2

Incubation - Interval between pathogen invasion and appearance of symptoms.
Prodromal - Most infectious. Early symptoms but vague and non specific. Still out in public.
Full Stage - Full symptoms and signs.
Convalescent - Recovery from infection.

Question 3

Inflammatory Response

Answer 3

Protective mechanism that eliminates invading pathogens and allows for tissue repair.

Hallmark signs (redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function)

Question 4

Immune Response

Answer 4

Humoral Immunity - Antibody recognize antigen and kills it.

Cell Mediated Immunity - Increased lymphocytes that destroy antigens.

Question 5

Asepsis

Answer 5

All activities to prevent infection or break the chain of infection.
Medical Asepsis - Reduce number and transfer of pathogens (Hand Hygiene/Wearing Gloves)
Surgical Asepsis - Sterile techniques. Keep objects free of microorganisms. (Inserting urinary catheter/IV catheter)

Question 6

Bacteria Flora (Naturally found in/on body)

Answer 6

2 types on hand. Transient and resident bacteria.
Transient - Have the potential to become resident bacteria if in large numbers over long period of time. Must hand wash thoroughly to get rid of.

Question 7

Alcohol based rubs

Answer 7

1. Before direct contact with patients
2. After direct contact with patient skin
3. After contact with body fluids, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, and wound dressing, if hands are not visibly soiled.
4. Removing Gloves
5. Before inserting catheter that do not require surgical placement
6. Moving from contaminated body site to clean body site.
7. After touching objects located in patients room

Question 8

Soap and Water Cleansing

Answer 8

1. CDIFF - Alcohol cannot kill CDIFF
2. Visibly soiled hands
3. Before Eating
4. After using restroom

Question 9

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

Answer 9

Replaces term Nosocomial
Exogenous - Acquired from other people
Endogenous - Acquired from own persons microbial life harbored on them.

Question 10

Disinfection/Sterilization

Answer 10

Disinfection - Destroys all pathogenic organisms except spores (Used for cleaning equipment not entering sterile body part)
Sterilization - Destroys all microorganisms including spores. (Equipment entering sterile body part)

Question 11

Method Selection of Sterilization/Disinfection

Answer 11

• Nature of organism present.
• Number of organisms present
• Type of equiptment
• Intended use of equiptment
• Available means of sterilization or disinfection
• Time

Question 12

Standard Precautions

Answer 12

Used for all patients no matter the disease

• Follow proper hand hygiene
• Wear clean non-sterile gloves when touching body fluids, excretions, contaminated items, mucous membrane, nonintact skin
• Avoid recapping needles
• Use gloves when handling soiled PPE equipment
• Respiratory/Cough etiquette

Question 13

Transmission Based Precautions

Answer 13

Special Measures for Highly Contagious Infections

Contact Isolation - Gowns/Gloves - Dedicated Equipment

Droplet Isolation - Mask/Eye Protection

Airborne Isolation - N95 Respirator, Eye Protection. Keep doors closed (negative pressure in rooms to prevent air from going into hospital)