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Exam 2 > Asepsis > Flashcards

Asepsis Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Chain of Infection?

A

The series of events that allows infection to spread, typically including the etiologic agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

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2
Q

What are the three stages of the body’s response to infection?

A
  • Vascular & Cellular Responses
  • Exudate Production
  • Reparative Phase
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3
Q

Define nosocomial infections.

A

Infections that originate in the hospital.

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4
Q

What are the two types of sources for endogenous infections?

A
  • Originate from the client themselves
  • Originate from the hospital environment and/or personnel
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5
Q

List the modes of transmission for infections.

A
  • Direct
  • Indirect
  • Vehicle-borne
  • Vector-borne
  • Airborne
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6
Q

What factors increase susceptibility to infection?

A
  • Age
  • Heredity
  • Level of Stress
  • Nutritional Status
  • Current Medical Therapy
  • Preexisting Disease Processes (e.g., Diabetes, COPD, Cancer/Leukemia)
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7
Q

What are common signs and symptoms of systemic infection?

A
  • Fever
  • Increased pulse and respiratory rates
  • Malaise
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes
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8
Q

Fill in the blank: _______ are the best barrier against infection.

A

[Intact skin and mucous membranes]

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9
Q

What is the purpose of standard/universal precautions?

A

To prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings.

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10
Q

List the types of transmission-based precautions.

A
  • Contact
  • Droplet
  • Airborne
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11
Q

True or False: Immunizations have dramatically decreased the incidence of infectious diseases.

A

True

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12
Q

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly used?

A
  • Gown
  • Gloves
  • Mask (surgical)
  • N95 Respirator
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13
Q

What should be done with PPE after use?

A

PPE should only be worn once then thrown away.

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14
Q

What is a key principle of sterile technique?

A

Do not leave a sterile field unattended.

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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The 1-inch perimeter of the sterile field is considered _______.

A

[Contaminated]

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16
Q

What is the first step in breaking the chain of infection?

A

Correctly cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing equipment before use.

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17
Q

List ways to break the portal of exit in infection control.

A
  • Avoid talking, coughing, or sneezing over open wounds
  • Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
  • Covering wounds appropriately
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18
Q

What are the methods to prevent the method of transmission?

A
  • Proper hand hygiene
  • Wearing gloves when handling secretions
  • Wearing gowns if there is danger of soiling clothing
  • Disposing of waste in appropriate receptacles
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19
Q

What should be done to break the portal of entry?

A
  • Use sterile technique for invasive procedures
  • Place used needles in puncture-resistant containers
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20
Q

What are some strategies to maintain a susceptible host’s integrity?

A
  • Maintaining skin and mucous membranes
  • Ensuring a balanced diet
  • Educating about immunizations
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21
Q

What are the steps in the nursing process?

A
  • Assessment
  • Diagnosis
  • Planning/Goal
  • Implementation
  • Rationale
  • Evaluation
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22
Q

What is a pathogen?

A

Infectious agent

A pathogen is an organism that can cause disease.

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23
Q

Define colonization in the context of infection.

A

Organism that multiplies within a host but does not cause an infection

Colonization refers to the presence of a microorganism in a host without causing disease.

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24
Q

What is an infectious disease?

A

Illnesses such as viral meningitis or pneumonia

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms.

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25
Q

What does ‘portal of exit’ refer to?

A

Sites such as blood, mucus membranes, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract

Portals of exit are ways pathogens leave the host.

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26
Q

What are the major routes of transmission?

A

Direct, indirect, droplet, airborne, vehicles, vector

These are common methods through which infections spread.

27
Q

Define virulence.

A

Ability to produce disease

Virulence is a measure of the pathogenicity of an organism.

28
Q

What does susceptibility mean in the context of infection?

A

Individual’s degree of resistance to pathogens

Susceptibility indicates how likely a person is to get infected.

29
Q

What does immunocompromised mean?

A

Having an impaired immune system

Immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to infections.

30
Q

What is a reservoir in infection prevention?

A

A source of microorganisms

Reservoirs can include humans, animals, or the environment.

31
Q

What are carriers in the context of infectious diseases?

A

Persons who show no symptoms of illness but who have the pathogens that are transferred to others

Carriers can unknowingly spread infections.

32
Q

What distinguishes aerobic bacteria from anaerobic bacteria?

A

Aerobic bacteria require oxygen for survival; anaerobic bacteria thrive with little or no free oxygen

This distinction affects how infections are treated.

33
Q

Define bacteriostasis.

A

Prevention of the growth and reproduction of bacteria without destruction of the bacteria

Bacteriostasis allows bacteria to survive but not multiply.

34
Q

What is bactericidal?

A

A temperature or chemical that destroys bacteria

Bactericidal agents kill bacteria outright.

35
Q

What is a communicable disease?

A

An infectious disease that is transmitted directly from one person to another

Examples include influenza and tuberculosis.

36
Q

What does pH refer to in the context of infection?

A

Acidity of the environment

pH can influence the survival and growth of pathogens.

37
Q

What are the elements involved in the development of an infection cycle?

A

Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host

These elements must be present for an infection to occur.

38
Q

List the most common modes of transmission.

A
  • Direct
  • Indirect
  • Droplet
  • Airborne
  • Vehicles
  • Vector

Understanding these modes helps in infection control.

39
Q

What are the four stages of infection progression?

A
  • Incubation
  • Prodromal
  • Illness
  • Convalescence

Each stage has distinct characteristics and symptoms.

40
Q

What is a localized infection?

A

Infection confined to a specific area of the body

Symptoms are typically limited to one site.

41
Q

Define systemic infection.

A

Infection that affects the entire body

Systemic infections can result in widespread symptoms and complications.

42
Q

What is normal flora?

A

Microorganisms that normally reside in the body without causing disease

Normal flora play a role in preventing pathogenic infections.

43
Q

What are body system defenses against infection?

A
  • Skin
  • Mucous membranes
  • Immune response

These defenses protect the body from pathogens.

44
Q

What occurs during acute inflammation?

A
  • Vascular and cellular responses
  • Inflammatory exudate
  • Tissue repair

Inflammation is the body’s immediate response to injury or infection.

45
Q

Define exogenous health care-associated infections.

A

Infections acquired from external sources

These infections are not present in the patient prior to healthcare.

46
Q

What are endogenous health care-associated infections?

A

Infections that occur from the patient’s own flora

These can arise when the normal flora is disrupted.

47
Q

Identify common sites of health care-associated infections.

A
  • Surgical wounds
  • Urinary tract
  • Respiratory tract
  • Bloodstream

These sites are often monitored for potential infections.

48
Q

How does age influence susceptibility to infection?

A

Older adults and very young children have weaker immune systems

Age-related changes affect immune function.

49
Q

What role does nutritional status play in infection susceptibility?

A

Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system

Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining health.

50
Q

How does stress influence infection risk?

A

Stress can suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility

Chronic stress can lead to higher infection rates.

51
Q

What is the impact of disease processes on infection susceptibility?

A

Certain diseases can compromise immune function

Conditions like diabetes or HIV increase risk.

52
Q

What are common nursing diagnoses for patients at risk for infection?

A
  • Risk for infection
  • Impaired skin integrity
  • Ineffective health maintenance

These diagnoses guide nursing interventions.

53
Q

List common goals for a patient with a potential risk for infection.

A
  • Remain free from infection
  • Maintain skin integrity
  • Demonstrate effective hand hygiene

Goals are tailored to the patient’s needs.

54
Q

What are some ways to prevent infection in community settings?

A
  • Hand hygiene
  • Vaccination
  • Safe food handling

Community education is crucial for infection prevention.

55
Q

What are standard precautions?

A

A set of guidelines to prevent transmission of infections

Standard precautions apply to all patients, regardless of diagnosis.

56
Q

What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A

To protect healthcare workers and patients from infection

PPE includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eyewear.

57
Q

What are the responsibilities of infection control professionals?

A
  • Monitoring infection rates
  • Educating staff
  • Implementing infection control policies

These professionals play a key role in healthcare safety.

58
Q

What is surgical asepsis?

A

The practice of keeping an area or object free from all microorganisms

Important in procedures like surgeries to prevent infections.

59
Q

List the principles of surgical asepsis.

A
  • Sterile field
  • Sterile instruments
  • Hand hygiene
  • Proper gowning

Following these principles minimizes infection risk.

60
Q

What steps should be followed to perform a sterile procedure?

A
  • Prepare sterile field
  • Gather sterile supplies
  • Don sterile gloves
  • Maintain sterility

Each step is essential to prevent contamination.

61
Q

How can a nurse monitor for signs of infection in a patient?

A
  • Vital signs
  • Wound assessment
  • Laboratory tests

Monitoring is critical for early detection and intervention.

62
Q

Which of the following is not an element in the development or chain of infection? 1. Means of transmission 2. Infectious agent or pathogen 3. Formation of immunoglobulin 4. Reservoir for pathogen growth

A

3

Formation of immunoglobulin is part of the immune response, not the infection chain.

63
Q

The severity of a patient’s illness depends on all of the following except: 1. Incubation period 2. Extent of infection 3. Susceptibility of the host 4. Pathogenicity of the microorganism

A

1

The incubation period is important but does not determine severity.

64
Q

Which of the following best describes an iatrogenic infection? 1. It results from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. 2. It results from an extended infection of the urinary tract. 3. It involves an incubation period of 3 to 4 weeks before it can be detected. 4. It occurs when patients are infected with their own organisms as a result of immunodeficiency.

A

1

Iatrogenic infections are caused by medical interventions.

Exam 2 (3 decks)

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