Chapter 4 Flashcards
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Disease of human immune system caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Interferes with the immune system, making victims much more likely to get infections. Considered a sexually transmitted disease, but also spread through blood, infected needles, or from mother to fetus.
Transmission- blood or bodily fluids; usually through contact with blood or sexual activity
Prevention- standard precautions
Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff)
Bacteria that causes severe watery diarrhea and other intestinal disease when competing bacteria have been wiped out by antibiotics. Is spread by spores and difficult to kill; can be carried on hands of caregivers who have direct contact with residents or an environmental surface.
Transmission- spores that may survive up to 6 months on inanimate objects
Prevention- Contact precautions; wash hands and avoid using alcohol based rubs
Disinfect
To decrease spread of pathogens and disease by destroying pathogens.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of liver caused by infection.
Transmission- fecal/oral; contaminated blood or needles; sexual activity
Prevention- standard precautions
Influenza
Infectious disease cause by virus. More severe disease than common cold.
Symptoms- fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness, fatigue, general discomfort.
Transmission- direct or indirect contact; may be airborne
Prevention- standard precautions but may require droplet precautions
Jaundice
Yellow/gold tint to the skin and eyes. Often seen in liver diseases such as hepatitis or liver cancer.
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)k
Antibiotic resistant infection, often acquired in hospitals ,and spread by physical contact.
Transmission- direct or indirect contact
Prevention- Standard precautions (colonized); Contact precautions (infections) dependent upon location (Droplet precautions for a respiratory infection)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Federal government agency that protects workers from hazards ON THE JOB.
Infection Control Practices-
A. Environmental cleaning
1. High touch areas- bed rails, bedside equipment, remote control
B. Disposal of contaminated items/ infectious waste
1. Sharps containers
2. Bio-hazardous waste containers
C. Linen
1. Handling clean linen
2. Handling/securing soiled linen
Pediculosis
Infestation of lice.
Transmission- direct or indirect contact or use of combs, rushes, hats, linens
Prevention- contact precautions
Treatment- medications, environmental concerns/cleanliness
Scabies
Contagious skin infection that occurs among humans and other animals. Caused by tiny and unusually not directly visible parasite that burrows under the hosts skin causing intense allergic itching.
Transmission- direct or indirect contact; common use of linens
Prevention- contact precautions
Treatment- medications, environmental concerns/cleanliness
Tuberculosis
Bacterial infection that affects the lungs; causes coughing and difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. Is an airborne disease carried on droplets suspended in the air.
Transmission- airborne; suspected active resident will be transferred to location of respiratory precautions
Prevention- airborne precautions and relocation
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Strain of enterococcus that cannot be controlled with antibiotics and is spread through direct and indirect contact.
Transmission- direct or indirect contact
Prevention- standard precautions; may require contact precautions based off location
