asepsis and infection control Flashcards
what are the components or “chains” included in the infection cycle
- infectious agent
- reservoir
- portal of exit from reservoir
- means of transmission
- portals of entry
- susceptible host
what can break the chain between the susceptible host and infectious agent
- immunizations
- screenings of healthcare staff
what can break the chain between infectious agent and reservoir
- hand hygiene
- sterilization
- antibiotics/antimicrobials
what can break the chain between reservoir and portal of exit from reservoir
- transmission based precautions
- sterilization or use of disposable supplies
what can break the chain between portal of exit from reservoir and means of transmission
- dry contact dressing
- hand hygiene
- wearing gloves if contact with body fluids
- cover nose and mouth when sneezing
what can break the chain between means of transmission and portals of entry
- hand hygiene
- use pesticides to eliminate vectors
- adequate refrigeration
what can break the chain between portals of entry and susceptible host
- hand hygiens
- wear gloves
- use masks and ppe
- proper disposal of sharps
what are infectious agents
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- parasites
describe bacteria
- most significant in healthcare setting
- ex. staph/strep
describe viruses
- smallest of all microorganisms
- ex. ecoli and influenza
describe fungi examples
- athletes foot
- ringworm
- yeast infection
describe parasites
- live in or on a host and require the host to survive
- malaria
are healthcare acquired infections never events?
yes
name three types of HAIS
- iatrogenic
- exogenous
- endogenous
describe iatrogenic
- results from a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure
- ex. UTI from foley
describe exogenous infection
- organisms external to patient/ not normally present
- ex. salmonella
describe endogenous infection
- microorganisms that exist as part of the normal flora become pathogenic
- ex. streptococci, ecoli, and yeasts
name some HAIs commonly seen in healthcare settings
- c diff (#1, generally happens to ppl on antibiotics and immunocompromised)
- VAE (ventilator associated events)
- CAUTI (catheter associated urinary tract infections)
- CLABSI (central line associated bloodstream infections)
- hepatitis A
- influenza
- TB
- MDRO
- blood borne pathogens
name some MDRO (multi-drug resistant organisms)
- MRSA (methicillin resistant staphaureus)
- VRE (vancomycin resistant enterococci)
- c diff (clostridium difficile)
name some different bloodborne pathogens
- hep B and C
- HIV
describe direct contact
must touch
describe indirect vector contact
insect os carrier of disease (ex. tics mosquitos)
describe indirect fomite transmission
inanimate object is used where pathogen can exist
describe the difference between droplet and airborne transmission
- difference is in the size of the particle and the distance it travels
- droplets are larger and transmission occurs within 5-6 feet range
- airborne particles are smaller (less than 5 mcm) and can travel over 5 feet
which of the following is the most significant and commonly found infection causing agent in healthcare settings?
A. bacteria
B. fungi
C. viruses
D. mold
bacteria
what is the first line of defense against infection
- healthy, well maintained, and intact skin
- normal flora (skin and GI tract)
what are the two protective responses in defending against infection
- inflammatory
- immune
describe inflammatory response
- can be acute or chronic
- occurs after trauma and infection
- purpose is to eliminate invader
- sets the stage for tissue repair
- signs are due to both the vascular and cellular response
describe the vascular response during inflammatory response
- vasoconstriction (decrease blood flow) followed by vasodilation (increase blood flow)
- histamine release
describe cellular response during inflammatory response
WBCs move into the area (bc of increased blood flow)