Chapter 33 Infection Control Flashcards
Infection Control
Good health depends in part on a safe environment.
•Practices that control or prevent transmission of infection help create an environment that protects patients and health care workers.
•Patients are at risk because they often have lower resistance and increased exposure to infectious microorganisms and because they sometimes undergo invasive procedures.
What are Microorganisms
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa
What is the meaning of Reservoir
Humans, plants, animals or the general environment
A reservoir is a place where a pathogen can survive but may or may not multiply.
–Colonization
–Carriers
What are Pathogens require a reservoir that provides ?
Pathogens require a reservoir that provides all of the following: –Food –Oxygen (or no oxygen) –Water –Appropriate temperature and pH
Portal of exit from reservoir
The path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir
–Body openings (mouth, nose, rectum, vagina, urethra, ostomies)
–Breaks in skin (scrape, cut, or other wound)
–Breaks in mucous membranes (skin in mouth, eyes, nose, vagina, rectum)
–Pathogens carried through portals by blood, body fluids, excretions, and secretions
Method of transmission
Direct Contact –Indirect Contact –Droplet Transmission –Airborne Transmission –Vehicle Transmission –Vectorborne Transmission
Portal of Entry
Microorganisms can enter the body through the same routes they leave
Susceptible Host
any person who is at risk of infection
–Compromised host - a person at increased risk
•Degree of resistance/susceptibility to a pathogen
•Resistance increased by immunizations and actual contracting of the disease
Infectious Process
Severity of infection depends on
–Extent: localized or systemic
–Pathogenicity of the microorganism
–Host susceptibility
Course of Infection by Stage
Incubation period
•Prodromal stage
•Illness stage
•Convalescence
Defences Against Infection
Normal flora
•Body system defences – Table 33-3
•Inflammation
Hand Hygiene
Important
