Exam 2 module 3 part 2 Flashcards
chapter 20, promote asepsis part 2
What factors increase host susceptibility to infection?
Anything that weakens the body’s defense system and factors that increase exposure to pathogens
Examples include working at a daycare facility or being a nurse.
What is the role of IgM?
First antibody to appear when an antigen is encountered and involved in agglutination with incompatible blood types.
What is the most common immunoglobulin in the body? What is unique about it?
IgG.It can cross the placenta to provide temporary immunity (natural passive) to the infant
How long does it take for IgG to be produced in response to an initial infection?
At least 10 days.
its a slow moving war horse.
Which immunoglobulin can cross the placenta?
IgG.
What is the primary function of IgE?
Responsible for the allergic response.
Where is IgA found?
In mucous membranes of the intestines, respiratory and urinary tracts, saliva, tears, and breast milk.
IgA provides additional immune protection
by secreting around the body openings.
What additional protection does IgA provide?
Secreting around the body openings.
What is the function of IgD?
Forms on the surface of B cells and traps potential pathogens to prevent replication.
Why are young children considered vulnerable hosts?
- Their immune systems are immature and have had limited exposure to pathogens (underdeveloped spleen before age 5)
- Children frequently have more infections when they begin contact with people outside their family, such as when they start daycare or school.
What happens to the immune response as people age?
The immune response declines with aging. Also skin becomes less elastic and more prone to breakdown.
What creates an easy portal of entry for infectious microorganisms? Examples?
A break in the skin. Breaks can be caused by surgical procedures, injuries, skin breakdown, insect bites, or IV device insertion.
How does recuperation from infection or injury affect the body?
It limits the physical resources available to combat a new pathogen.
What is a major risk factor for pulmonary infections? Why?
- Smoking.
- Smoking interferes with normal respiratory functioning, including chest movement and the ability to cough or sneeze.
- Chemicals in tobacco immobilize cilia; thus, secretions pool in the lower airways, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to live and replicate.
What is the impact of smoking and vaping on leukocytes long term?
They compromise the antibacterial function of leukocytes. Chronic exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk for respiratory infection, ear and sinus infection, meningitis, and postsurgical and nosocomial infections
What effect does excessive alcohol use have on nutrition both acutely and chronic?
- It curbs hunger, leading to inadequate diet and deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Over time, excessive alcohol use is toxic to the liver and to the cells lining the intestinal mucosa of the esophagus and GI, which can lead to inflammation, infection, and injury.
How do inhaled substances affect the respiratory system?
They affect respiratory cilia similarly to tobacco.
Overall, how do substances that affect energy and orientation (who, where, time, why) will……?
decrease food intake, activity, rest, and hygiene.
What is the risk associated with injecting substances?
It leads to breaks in skin integrity, increasing the risk of infection.
How does the number of sexual partners relate to infection risk?
The more sexual partners a person has, the greater the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer.
Microbes are transmitted via semen, vaginal secretions, or blood that is present during sexual intercourse.
How are microbes transmitted during sexual intercourse?
Via semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
What role do environmental factors play in infection risk?
They can increase exposure to pathogens, irritate respiratory airways, or cause breaks in the skin.
**work setting **(e.g., preschool teacher, healthcare worker) OR living situation (e.g., skilled nurse care, parents with young children who are in preschool).
In what settings can increased exposure to pathogens occur?
In work settings like preschool teaching or healthcare, and living situations like skilled nursing care.
What are MDROs?
Microbes that have mutated to develop resistance to one or more classes of antimicrobial drugs
Associated with serious illness, increased hospitalization, and higher death rates.
What has been the trend in the prevalence of MDROs in U.S. hospitals over the past several decades?
Increased steadily
What is one of the most significant challenges in treating patients with severe infectious diseases?
Antibiotic resistance
What are the implications of MDRO infections?
Limited treatment options, serious illness, increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs
Name a type of MDRO associated with hospitals that is resistant to vancomycin. How is it spread?
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), spread by failure to follow infection control measures
How are Methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) infections primarily spread?
Skin-to-skin contact, especially in crowded living conditions
can cause sepsis, pneumonia, surgical site infections. it can survive on objects.
What types of infections can MRSA cause?
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bloodstream infections (sepsis)
- Pneumonia
- Surgical-site infections
What is a major risk factor for developing C difficile (C diff.) infections? Who is the MC population?
anyone prolonged treatment with antibiotics. Elderly, IC
found in feces
What is a characteristic of C diff. spores?
spres can survive for days on doorknobs and toilet seats (inanimate objects)
List other significant MDROs.
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
- Penicillin-resistant S pneumoniae
- Multidrug-resistant E coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
What are some risk factors for MDRO infections?
- Previous exposure to antibiotics
- Impaired body defense
- Severe illness
- Invasive procedures and devices
- Repeated hospitalization, especially ICUs
- Advanced age
What are symptoms of MDRO infections?
- Wounds that are slow or fail to heal with antibiotics
- Fever
- Swelling
- Redness
- Excessive warmth
- Pain
- Drainage
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
What diagnostic tests are used for MDRO infections?
- Cultures and sensitivities of wound and skin, blood, sputum, urine, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
- Screening cultures at admission or on specialty units (ICU)
What should be strictly adhered to for all patient contact with MDROs until cultures are negative?
Guidelines for hand hygiene, glove use, and isolation precautions
MDROs refer to multidrug-resistant organisms.
What is important to ensure regarding patient areas?
They are cleaned well and often
Frequent cleaning helps reduce infection risks.
Which surfaces should be disinfected frequently?
High-touch surfaces such as bedrails, door handles, and sinks
For C difficile, use a bleach-containing disinfectant.
What type of room should be used for patients with MDROs?
Private rooms as needed
If a private room isn’t available, place with a patient with the same MDRO.
What personal protective equipment should be worn for all contact with MRDO patients and contaminated items?
- Gowns and gloves
- Use masks and eye protection, especially when splashes are possible.
This is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
What should be done with noncritical equipment used for patients with MDRO infection?
- Dedicate it for use with individuals with MDRO infection
- Examples include stethoscopes and thermometers.
What should patients and caregivers be taught to limit the spread of infection?
Meticulous hand hygiene and standard precautions
Education on these practices is crucial for infection control.
Who should be excluded from activities involving close contact?
Those unable to keep infected wounds covered and practice strict handwashing
Activities include daycare and contact sports.
Activities include daycare and contact sports.
What emotional needs should be considered for patients with MDROs?
Patients may feel ‘dirty’ or embarrassed by the odor of wound infection
Sensitivity to emotional needs is important for patient care.
What measures can be provided to relieve boredom for isolated patients?
Activities to engage them
Isolation can reduce sensory input and lead to boredom.
What should be encouraged regarding visitors to isolated patients?
Spread out visits and be mindful of the patient’s loneliness
This helps combat feelings of isolation.
True or False: Patients with MDROs should not be socially isolated.
False
Patients may face social isolation due to others’ fear of infection.
What are the patient and nurse goals when treating a patient with a MDRO
Patient:
* reach no sign of localized infection, fever, inflammation.
* reach a point where the patient verbalizes that they are more comfortable.
* patient copes with isolation.
Nurse: use MDRO prevention measures and recognize signs of infection
Specific protocol for MDRO (taking action)
- Adhere strictly to guidelines for hand hygiene, glove use, and isolation precautions for all patient contact until cultures are negative.
- Observe standard precautions for all patients.
- Ensure patient areas are cleaned well and often.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces (bedrails, door handles, sink).
For C difficile: use a bleach-containing disinfectant. - Use private rooms as needed.
- Wear gowns and gloves for all contact patient and contaminated items.
- Dedicate noncritical equipment (stethoscope, thermometer) to use for individuals with MDRO infection.
- Use masks and eye protection, especially when splashes are possible.
- Assign patient to single room if available. If not, place with a patient with the same MDRO.
- Special measures to prevent lower respiratory infections in intubated patients.
Patient education for specific MRSA infection
For Clients Infected With Community-Acquired MRSA
Teach patient and caregiver:
- Take antibiotics as prescribed and take all the doses.
- Contact your provider if the infection does not improve after a few days of antibiotic use.
- Do not use antibiotics prescribed for someone else; do not give your drugs to others.
- Follow your provider’s recommendations for flu and pneumonia vaccinations. This will decrease your use of antibiotics.
- KEY POINT: Be sure your providers clean their hands before touching you.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash for 20 seconds.
- Use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available or hands are not visibly soiled.
- Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, makeup, combs, clothing).
- Watch for signs of infection (e.g., drainage or inflammation of a wound); contact your provider at once.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow, and wash your hands after using a tissue.
For Clients Infected With MRSA
Teach patient and caregiver: - Keep all wounds clean and covered with bandages.
- When changing a dressing: Do not touch the wound with your bare hands. Wear gloves.
- Immediately discard the soiled dressing and gloves in a plastic bag where no one else can touch them.
- Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
- Do not touch other people’s wounds or dressings.
- Avoid close-contact activities until your skin infection is healed, unless you can ensure that your sore will not come in contact with another person.
- Shower daily, using antibacterial soap if your healthcare provider advises it.
- Wash your clothing, towels, and bedding separately from other family members’ items. Use warm or hot water and bleach, if possible. Use warm or hot setting on the dryer.
- Wash exercise clothes after each use.
patient education for all MDRO
Teach patient and caregiver:
- Ways to limit further spread of infection to close contacts, including meticulous hand hygiene and standard precautions.
- Difference between bacterial and viral infection.
- Importance of avoiding overuse of antibiotics.
- Those unable to keep infected wounds covered and practice strict handwashing should be excluded from activities involving close contact with others (e.g., daycare, contact sports).
How to show care to patients with MDRO?
- Be sensitive to patients’ emotional needs, as many feel “dirty” or are embarrassed by the odor of wound infection. Others may become angry or depressed during extended isolation.
- Provide measures to relieve boredom (isolation reduces sensory input).
- Patients may be socially isolated because other people fear they will be infected.
- Encourage visitors to spread out visits and be mindful of patient’s loneliness.
What condition can prevent antibodies and T cells from reaching pathogens?
Poor circulation
Poor circulation damages tissue, making it easier for pathogens to enter and thrive.
Which diseases impair peripheral circulation and increase infection risk in extremities?
Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus
These conditions make patients prone to infection.
What is leukemia?
A form of cancer of the blood that increases the production of abnormal WBCs
These abnormal WBCs are ineffective in combating infection.
How does HIV affect the immune system?
It infects T cells, reducing the ability to fight off secondary infections
A patient with AIDS has a significantly compromised immune response.
What is the purpose of medications that reduce the immune response?
To prevent rejection in organ/tissue transplants and treat conditions like allergies, arthritis, lupus, and IBS
For most patients, decreased immunity is an unwanted side effect.
Which common medications can decrease the immune response?
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen is immunosuppresive and usually an unwanted side effect
- chemotherapy
- antibiotics because it destroys normal flora
What is a potential side effect of chemotherapeutic agents?
Decreased production of WBCs or production of abnormal WBCs
This can lead to increased susceptibility to infections.
What dietary components can help fight off infection?
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean meats
These foods contain essential nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Fill in the blank: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the risk of various health issues, including _______.
- reduced immunity
Physical activity promotes circulation and immune function.
How does sleep affect the immune system?
It allows the body to produce antibodies and cytokines
What emotional states can depress the immune system’s effectiveness?
Prolonged stress, anxiety, depression, and grief
True or False: Urinary catheterization and IV’s can lead to increased risk of infection.
True. It injures the mucosa which allows pathogens into the bladder or body
What is unique about skin color with someone who has poor circulation and MDRO?
Patients with poor peripheral circulation often have skin discoloration, rather than
signs of inflammation, when experiencing an infection.
What should be promoted for clients who have had surgery and general anesthesia?
Coughing and deep breathing on a regular basis.
What type of oral care should be provided for clients being mechanically ventilated?
Special oral care designed to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Why should older adults, especially frail ones, be encouraged to get immunizations?
To acquire immunity from some communicable diseases, such as influenza.
How can healthcare workers protect themselves from HAIs?
By receiving immunizations.
What role do community health nurses play in disease transmission?
Limit disease transmission through surveillance, tracking disease patterns, and prompt treatment.
What should be assessed regularly for clients with breaks in the skin or surgical incisions?
Regular assessment for infection.
Why are clients and caregivers at less risk for infection at home than in the hospital?
Limited exposure to others with illness and shared potential pathogens and antibodies.
What basic principles should clients understand to protect their health?
Medical asepsis, personal hygiene, and infection control.
What lifestyle factors strengthen host defense and help break the chain of infection?
Healthful nutrition, good hydration, adequate hygiene, rest, exercise, stress reduction, and immunizations.
What is the importance of adequate nutrition during an acute infection?
To replace lost stores, maintain production of WBCs, and repair damaged tissues.
What hygiene practices should be encouraged to decrease bacterial count on the skin?
Frequent handwashing and regular showering or bathing.
What should be provided for the immunocompromised or bed-bound hospitalized patient?
Daily bedside baths using filtered tap water and disposable basins.
What is the recommended amount of sleep for most people?
6 to 9 hours per night.
What are the consequences of too little or excessive exercise?
Too little causes circulation to slow; excessive leads to fatigue and joint injury.
Excessive exercise leads to fatigue and joint injury.
What is the key point regarding immunization coverage in the population?
At least 85% of the population must be immunized to protect the entire population from the disease.
Fill in the blank: Nutrition is important for replacing lost stores during an acute infection, including _______.
[protein, vitamins, minerals, and water]
What nursing diagnosis is indicated for patients who are higher than usual risk for infection and need interventions to help prevent infection?
like poor nutrition for example
Risk for Infection
What are NOC standardized outcomes for diagnosis of Risk of Infection?
NOC standardized outcomes for a diagnosis of Risk for Infection include:
* Community Risk Control
* Communicable Disease
* Immune Status
* Immunization Behavior
* Infection Severity
* Risk Control: STDs
* Wound Healing: Primary Intention * Wound Healing: Secondary Intention
If a patient already has an infection, what are the NIC standardized interventions?
- Communicable Disease Management
- Immunization/Vaccination Management
- Incision Site Care
- Infection Control
- Surveillance
- Teaching: Safe Sex
- Wound Care
What should be used to disinfect the home environment?
Antiseptic, antibacterial wipes or sprays, or a diluted bleach mixture to wipe down frequently touched surfaces.
The diluted bleach mixture can be stored for a month in an opaque container.
How are procedures performed in the home typically different from those in the hospital?
Clean procedure instead of sterile technique
An example is urinary catheterization.
What should be assessed for signs of infection?
Fever, chills, fatigue, lymph gland enlargement, delayed healing, drainage, warm/reddened/tender skin
Teach clients and family members about the signs and symptoms of infection and when to report these findings to their primary care provider.
These are common indicators of infection.
When should clients and family members report signs of infection?
When they notice symptoms such as fever, chills, or delayed healing
What vaccinations should be obtained before international travel?
COVID-19, malaria, dengue, rickettsiosis, hepatitis, Zika virus
Particularly important for travel to Africa, South Central Asia, or Central America.
When should hands be washed according to basic infection prevention measures?
Before, during, and after preparing food; before eating; after using the bathroom; after coughing/sneezing; after treating wounds; after contact with animals or trash
This includes multiple situations to prevent infection.
What methods can prevent pathogen growth in foods?
Cooking at high temperatures, storing in a cool place, using highly concentrated solutes
Examples include salting meat and preserving fruit.
What personal care items should not be shared?
Towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, combs
How should dishware and utensils be cleaned?
In a dishwasher with hot water and detergents
This method is sufficient for decontamination.
What is the recommended duration for washing hands with soap and water?
20 seconds
What should be done after using a public bathroom?
Do not touch surfaces and wash hands thoroughly
What should be carried and used in public places for hand hygiene? What do you. dowhen you get home?
Antibacterial hand gel
wash when getting home
What should patients ask healthcare providers to do before touching?
Wash their hands
What does asepsis mean?
Absence of contamination by disease-causing microorganisms
What does medical asepsis refer to?
Procedures that decrease the potential for the spread of infections
medical asepsis includes hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, standard precautions, and protective isolation.
What are the key components of medical asepsis in healthcare settings?
- Hand hygiene
- Environmental cleanliness
- Standard precautions
- Protective isolation
How does cutting corners in asepsis affect patient safety?
It can put the patient and possibly the nurse at risk for a serious infection
What is the single most important activity for preventing and controlling infection?
Hand hygiene
What was the WHO’s first global patient safety challenge?
Reduction of HAIs with the theme ‘clean care is safer care’
What are the five key factors involved in handwashing?
- Time
- Water
- Soap
- Friction
- Drying
How long should hands be washed in a nonsurgical setting?
At least 15 seconds for soap-and-water wash