Asepsis2 Flashcards
What is the most effective method for preventing hospital-acquired infections?
Handwashing
Handwashing significantly reduces the risk of infection transmission in healthcare settings.
List the key strategies for infection prevention.
- Vaccination
- Environmental Hygiene
- PPE
- Infection Control Practices
- Safe Injection Practices
- Patient Education
These strategies work together to minimize infection risks in healthcare environments.
Define Medical Asepsis.
Clean Technique: Sanitization, Antisepsis, Disinfection
Medical asepsis involves techniques to reduce and prevent the spread of microorganisms.
What is sanitization?
Physically removing microorganisms
Sanitization is a foundational step in infection control.
What is the purpose of antisepsis?
Killing microorganisms or limiting their growth on skin & objects
Antisepsis is crucial for preventing infections during medical procedures.
What does disinfection refer to?
Killing organisms on objects commonly in contact with clients
Disinfection is essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
What are the types of precautions in infection control?
- Standard
- Transmission-Based
- Reverse Isolation
Each type of precaution is designed for specific scenarios to protect patients and healthcare workers.
What does Standard Precautions apply to?
All client care
Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control used for all patients.
What are Transmission-Based Precautions based on?
Diagnosed or Suspected Infections, Based on Route of Transmission (airborne, droplet, contact)
These precautions are tailored to specific infection risks.
Who requires Reverse Isolation?
Clients whose immune systems are not working properly
This is important to protect vulnerable patients from infections.
Which populations are at the greatest risk for infection?
- Infants
- Elderly
Both groups have unique vulnerabilities due to their immune systems.
What is immunosenescence?
Alterations in both innate and adaptive immune responses leading to a decline in immune effectiveness
This phenomenon is particularly relevant in aging populations.
When should soap and water be used for handwashing?
When there is visible soiling or dirt, with certain infections, and before/after specific procedures
Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective in many situations but not all.
What are healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
Infections acquired while patients are receiving treatment in a health care facility
HAIs can lead to serious complications and increased healthcare costs.
List the most common sites for nosocomial infections.
- Surgical sites
- Urinary tract
- Respiratory tract
- Bloodstream
- Skin & soft tissue
These sites are critical for monitoring and prevention efforts.
What is the primary method to prevent HAIs?
Handwashing
Effective hand hygiene is fundamental in controlling HAIs.
What does DON stand for in PPE application?
Donning personal protective equipment
Proper donning techniques are essential to prevent contamination.
What is the correct order for DOFFing PPE?
Gloves, Gown, Hand Hygiene, Eyewear, Mask, Hand Hygiene
Following the correct order minimizes the risk of exposure.
What are the signs & symptoms of infection?
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Pain
- Swelling & Inflammation
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Changes in Mental Status
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin Changes
- Increased thirst & urination
- Localized Symptoms
Recognizing these signs is critical for early intervention.
How are infections classified?
- Localized
- Systemic
Understanding the classification aids in diagnosis and treatment.
What are the nursing actions for Airborne Precautions?
- Negative pressure room
- Masks: N95 or respirators
These actions help prevent airborne transmission of infections.
What diseases require Droplet Precautions?
- Pneumonia
- Influenza
- Meningitis
- Pertussis
- Mumps
- Rubella
Each of these diseases can spread through respiratory droplets.
What is the purpose of Protective Precautions?
To protect immunocompromised patients
These precautions are critical for patients with weakened immune systems.
What should be included in discharge instructions for a patient with a surgical wound?
- Wound care
- Activity restrictions
- Pain management
- Nutrition & hydration
- Follow-up care
- Signs of complications
Proper education can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
