Fundamentals Exam: Ch. 23, 26-29, 38 Flashcards
Components of the Infection Cycle (1)
Infectious agent: bacteria, viruses, fungi
Components of the Infection Cycle (2)
Reservoir: natural habitat of the organism
Components of the Infection Cycle (3)
Portal of exit: point of escape for the organism
Components of the Infection Cycle (4)
Means of transmission: direct contact, indirect contact, airborne route
Components of the Infection Cycle (5)
Portal of entry: point at which organisms enter a new host
Components of the Infection Cycle (6)
Susceptible host: must overcome resistance mounted by host’s defenses
Stages of Infection
Incubation period, Prodromal stage (person is most infectious, vague and nonspecific signs of disease), Full stage of illness, Convalescent period
Factors Affecting Host Susceptibility
Intact skin and mucous membranes Normal pH levels Body’s white blood cells Age, sex, race, hereditary factors Immunization, natural or acquired Fatigue, climate, nutritional and general health status Stress Use of invasive or indwelling medical devices
Describe nursing interventions used to break the chain of infection.
Five Moments for Hand Hygiene (WHO)
Moment 1 – Before touching a patient
Moment 2 – Before a clean or aseptic procedure
Moment 3 – After a body fluid exposure risk
Moment 4 – After touching a patient
Moment 5 – After touching patient surroundings
Understand the importance of hand hygiene to prevent the spread of organisms and know the two types of bacterial flora normally found on hands and how they can be removed.
Bacterial Flora-
Transient: attached loosely on skin, removed with relative ease
Resident: found in creases in skin, requires friction with brush to remove
Measures to Reduce Incidence of Nosocomial Infections
Constant surveillance
Written infection-prevention practices for all agency personnel
Hand hygiene
Infection control precaution techniques
Keeping patient in best possible physical condition
Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies
Gloves
Gowns
Masks
Protective eyewear
Medical asepsis
clean technique
Surgical asepsis
sterile technique; uses- Operating room, labor and delivery areas Certain diagnostic testing areas Patient bedside For example, for procedures that involve insertion of urinary catheter, sterile dressing changes, or preparing and injecting medicine
Describe strategies for implementing CDC guidelines for transmission-based precautions when caring for patients.
Used in addition to standard precautions for patients in hospitals with suspected infection with pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or contact routes.
The 2007 guidelines include a directive to don personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering the room of a patient on contact or droplet precautions.
Describe strategies for implementing CDC guidelines for standard precautions when caring for patients.
Used in the care of all hospitalized patients regardless of their diagnosis or possible infection status
Apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat (whether or not blood is present or visible), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes
Factors Determining Use of Sterilization and Disinfection Methods
Nature of organisms present Number of organisms present Type of equipment Intended use of equipment Available means for sterilization and disinfection Time
Identify patients at risk for developing an infection.
Elevated white blood cell count—normal is 5,000 to 10,000/mm3
Increase in specific types of white blood cells
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Presence of pathogen in urine, blood, sputum, or draining cultures
Review the types of agents that can cause infection and how they are categorized.
Bacteria: most significant and most prevalent in hospital settings
Virus: smallest of all microorganisms, Hepatitis B & C, HIV
Fungi: plant-like organisms present in air, soil, and water, Athelete’s foot, Ringworm, Yeast infections
Identify multidrug-resistant organisms that are prevalent in hospitalized patients and community settings.
MRSA, VRE, CRE, C. difficile
Know the recommended use of products containing an antimicrobial ingredient for handwashing in areas where risk for infection is high.
using hand washing products that contain an antimicrobial or antibacterial ingredient is recommended in any setting where the risk for infection is high
Factors Affecting Safety
Developmental considerations Lifestyle Mobility Sensory perception Knowledge Ability to communicate Physical health state Psychosocial state
Discuss the factors that affect and the role of the nurse in providing a safe and secure environment in the home or health care facility.
Assess for history of falls or accidents.
Note assistive devices.
Be alert to history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Obtain knowledge of family support systems and home environment.
Identify patients at risk for injury.
Assess mobility status.
Assess ability to communicate.
Assess level of awareness or orientation.
Assess sensory perception.
Identify potential safety hazards.
Recognize manifestations of domestic violence or neglect.
Tell whether the following statement is true or false.
A nurse whose behavior is reasonable and prudent and similar to the behavior that would be expected of another nurse in similar circumstances is still likely to be found liable if a patient falls.
Answer: B. False
Rationale: A nurse whose behavior is reasonable and prudent and similar to the behavior that would be expected of another nurse in similar circumstances is unlikely to be found liable if a patient falls, even if injury occurs.
The RACE acronym
Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
Activate the fire code and notify appropriate person.
Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.
Evacuate patients and other people to a safe area.
