CH 28 Infection Prevention Flashcards
True or false? Incidence of HAIs is increasing.
Unfortunately true
What is infection?
the invasion of a susceptible host by pathogens or microorganisms, resulting in disease
True or false? Disease or infection results only if pathogens multiply and alter normal tissue function.
True!
When would you use an alcohol based cleaner vs when would you wash hands?
- you can use alcohol based cleaner in most instances
- you must wash hands if they are visibly soiled or in the case of c. diff ( any microbes with spores)
What are the 6 steps in the chain of infection?
- Infectious agent or pathogen
- Reservoir or source for pathogen growth
- Portal of exit
- Mode of transmission
- Portal of entry
- Susceptible host
What is the major route of transmission for pathogens identified in the health care setting?
The unwashed hands of the health care worker. EW!
Immunocompromised
means having an impaired immune system
Virulence
is the ability to produce disease
Aerobic bacteria
require oxygen for survival and for multiplication sufficient to cause disease
Anaerobic bacteria
thrive where little or no free oxygen is available
bacteriostasis
prevention of growth and reproduction of bacteria
bactericidal
destructive to bacteria
What are the 4 stages of the infectious process?
- The incubation period is the time interval between entrance of the pathogen and appearance of first symptoms.
- Prodromal stage is the interval from onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms.
- Illness stage is the interval when the patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection.
- Convalescence is the interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear.
What is an infection that affects the entire body instead of just a single organ or part?
Systemic infection - can become fatal if undetected and untreated - gram negative (endotoxic bacteria) can cause sepsis
Normal flora
- commensal/ mutual microorganisms that reside in/on the body
- Normal body flora helps to resist infection by releasing antibacterial substances and inhibiting multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms through competition
What are the 4 characteristics of inflammation/local infection?
- redness
- heat
- edema/swelling
- pain
Inflammatory exudates
- the accumulation of fluid, dead tissues, and WBCs that forms at the site of infection
- serous, sanguineous, or purulent
How do HAI’s occur?
- invasive procedures
- antibiotic administration
- the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms
- breaks in infection prevention and control activities
Iatrogenic
Caused by medical examination, procedure, or treatment
Exogenous
comes from microorganisms found outside the individual such as Salmonella. They do not exist as normal floras.
Endogenous
occurs when part of the patient’s flora becomes altered and an overgrowth results, as with streptococci. This often happens when a patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics.
What are risk factors for HAIs?
- Number of health care employees with direct contact with the patient
- Types and numbers of invasive procedures
- Therapy received
- Length of hospitalization
What are factors that influence a patient’s susceptibility to infection?
- Age
- Nutritional status
- Stress
- Disease process
- Treatments or conditions that compromise the immune response
What questions asked during an assessment help the nurse gauge a patients susceptibility to infection?
- travel history
- immunizations
- status of defense mechanisms (ie. skin integrity, physical assessment)
- medical therapies that could weaken the immune response
- signs and symptoms of infection
- laboratory data
