Asepsis Flashcards
Name the white blood cell: ingest and break down foreign particles, particularly bacteria and parasites. The first line of defense.
Neutrophils
Name the white blood cell: allergic reaction
eosinophils
Name the white blood cell: unknown action. Contain heparin and histamine in their granules.
basophils
How many bpm does the heart rate increase for every degree celsius
10 bpm
What changes in vitals would we expect with a systemic inflammatory response
Increased temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate
Name the white blood cell: synthesis of immunoglobulins. Cellular immunity and effective in destroying bacteria, viruses, cancer cells.
T lymphocytes
Name the white blood cell: synthesis of antibodies. Produce humoral immunity.
B lymphocytes
Name the white blood cell: Scavenger cells dispose of cellular debris.
Monocytes (macrophages)
Five signs of systemic infection
anorexia, fever, sepsis, body aches, chills
Factors that compromise the host: Impaired skin integrity
injury to the skin
surgical incisions
invasive devices
Factors that compromise the host: impaired mechanical function
trachostomy
sedation
smoking
Factors that compromise the host: inadequate nutrition
- need more calories when you’re sick
- many nutrients (incl vitamin C) needed for wound healing.
Factors that compromise the host: prolonged stress
cortisol, hyperglycemia (hyperglycemia promotes bacterial growth)
Factors that compromise the host: medicine or medical problems
- chemo
- steroids
- improper use of antibiotics
- HIV
Four stages of infection
- incubation
- prodromal
- acute phase
- convalescence
severe infection that reaches the bloodstream
sepsis
endotoxin produces…
heightened inflammatory response
four signs/symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)
high or low temp t>38 or t<36 high HR >90 bpm high respiratory rate >20 or low CO2 <32 High WBC >12000 or <4000 (need two or more, then they'll pull a lactic acid)
Why can older adults have no fever or low grade fever?
May have medical conditions that impair the hypothalamus
Why do children have higher fevers?
Don’t have as much thermoregulation (can’t sweat as much)
can you get a fever with surgery
- possible during first day after surgery
- indicative of infection after day 2
Three phases of fever
- chills
- fever
- flush or crisis (sweat, stop shivering)
pocket of purulent drainage
abscess
appearance of urine or sputum with an infection
cloudy or whitish-yellow
symptom when the small or large intestine is inflamed from a pathogen
- diarrhea
- increased peristalsis or hyperactive bowel sounds
why to take baseline vital signs
to assess for change
other reasons for chills beyond fever/infection
fear/anxiety, hypoglycemia, physical exhaustion, hypothyroid
medical history needed for infection screening
immunization, recent infections, exposure to diseases
leukocytosis
increased white blood cell count
shift to the left
more immature granulocytes used to fight infection. Persistent or severe infection.
higher than 50% neutrophils means…
body is fighting infection well
neutropenic precautions
- limit visitors
- avoid flossing, razors, rectal temps
- remove stagnant water, fresh flowers, potted plants
- hand hygiene is very important
lactate is relevant because…
it can indicate sepsis (anaerobic metabolism, decreased oxygen to tissues)
Sed rate
erythrocyte sedimentation rate – increased with infection
situations that cause for obtaining cultures when an infection is suspected
- productive cough
- invasive line (port, central line)
- purulent drainage
- parasites
why do you need a trough level?
toxicity! Kidneys and ears are affected by lots of antibiotics
how often to turn a person
2 hours
fever management
increase fluids
antipyretics (not aspirin for children)
comfort measures
warm blanket
analgesics
tepid bath
what does shivering do?
warms up the body by making the body move
