Asepsis & Infection Control- Ch. 27 Flashcards
Why are aseptic techniques used?
to halt the spread of microorganisms and
minimize the threat of infection
What are the two types of asepsis?
Medical and Surgical
What is medical asepsis?
involves procedures and practices
that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens (clean technique- minimizes)
What is surgical asepsis?
includes practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms (sterile technique-eliminates)
What kind of asepsis is hand hygiene and wearing gloves?
medical
What kind of asepsis is inserting an IV catheter?
Surgical
Which organism requires hand washing, not just alcohol-based gel?
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile is a gram-positive, anaerobic, sporeforming bacterium that is normally found in the intestines of many adults)
What are the two types of bacterial flora?
Transient and Resident. Transient bacteria, although usually easily removed by thorough handwashing, have the potential to adjust to the environment of the skin when they are present in large numbers over a long period and become resident bacteria.
HAIs
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
Patients in health agencies develop during the course of treatment for other infections. These conditions were not noted as being present on admission.
What is a nosocomial infection?
used specifically to indicate something originating or taking place in a hospital
If an infectious agent is part of colonization?
It is residing in the body but hasn’t caused harm
What does it mean when the infection is symptomatic?
There are signs and symptoms of an infection.
What is a communicable infection?
It is transmissible.
What is the nursing process for infection prevention and control regarding assessment?
inquire about immunizations, previous/recurring infections, history of current disease, signs/symptoms of local or systemic infection, laboratory test results
What is the difference b/w local and systemic infection?
Localized can have redness, swelling and pain in the area.
Systemic is throughout the body and can include fever, increase in pulse, RR, lethargy
White blood cells greater than ____ is an infection.
10,000
The _____ for infection or the _____ of an infection in a patient suggests possible nursing diagnoses.
potential, presence
**The focus of nursing care depends on a nursing diagnosis that accurately reflects the patient’s condition.
What is the nursing process for infection prevention and control regarding planning?
Identify realistic and measurable goals.
What do we want to see happen w/ the patient? See swelling go down, reduce temperature. Remain free from infection
What is the nursing process for infection prevention and control regarding implementation?
Control or eliminate infectious agents.
Cleaning bedside area, bedpan, urinals. Disinfect areas and sterilize instruments. Control or eliminate reservoirs (keep drainage bags below the bladder)
Who controls the portals of exit?
It’s the role of the nurse.
Be careful handling body fluids, lab specimens, and maintaining sterile technique (don’t cough on sterile field).
How can you control transmission of infections?
Patients should used their own personal self-care items like combs and toothbrushes, and we should keep soiled items and equipment away from uniforms
How can you control portals of entry?
Maintain skin integrity, cleansing after elimination, proper technique for wound cleansing
When are standard precautions used?
With any patient in any setting
What is an example of an airborne disease?
Tuberculosis
What is an example of a droplet transmitted disease?
Influenza
What is an example of a disease spread by contact?
C.difficile
What is PPE?
Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves, isolation gowns. face protection
The last step in nursing process, is what?
Evaluation. did the patient achieve the expected outcome of being free of symptoms of infection…and visitors had proper hand wash techniques?
What are the 6 components of the the infection cycle?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, means of transmission, portals of entry, susceptible host
