Hospital Acquired Infections

Question 1

What are healthcare infections, and why are they important
When do they onset

What 3 groups of people can get these

Answer 1

Infections that arise as a consequence of providing healthcare

• Frequent
• Impact health and healthcare (Bed availability)
• Preventable
• At least 48h after admission
• Hospital patients
• Hospital visitors
• Healthcare workers

Question 2

What are 8 factors that can increase risk of a HCAI in patients

Answer 2

• Extremes of age
• Obese/ malnourished
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Immunosuppression
• Smoking
• Surgical patient
• Emergency admission

Question 3

Name 4 viruses that can cause a Healthcare Infection

Answer 3

• Any blood borne virus (Hep B, C or HIV)
• Norovirus
• Influenza
• Chickenpox

Question 4

Name 2 fungi and 1 virus that can cause a Healthcare Infection

Answer 4

Candida albicans

Aspergillus species

Question 5

Name 4 bacteria that can cause a Healthcare Infection

Answer 5

• Staph aureus
• Clostridium difficile
• E. coli
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Question 6

What are the 4 Ps of infection prevention

Answer 6

Pathogen
Patient
Practice
Place

Question 7

Outline the ‘patient’ component for HCAIs

Answer 7

General and specific patient risk factors for infections

Interaction with;

• other patients
• healthcare workers
• visitors

Question 8

Outline the ‘pathogen’ component for HCAIs

Answer 8

• Virulence factors

- Ecological interactions (Other bacteria, antibiotics/ disinfectants)

Question 9

Outline the ‘practice ’ component for HCAIs

Answer 9

• General and specific activities of healthcare workers
• Policies and their implementation
• Leadership at all levels

Question 10

Outline the ‘place’ component for HCAIs

Answer 10

Healthcare environment;

• Fixed features
• Variable features

Question 11

Identify 3 patient interventions used in infection control

Answer 11

• Optimise patient’s condition
• Isolation of infected patients
• Protection of susceptible patients

Question 12

Identify 2 healthcare worker interventions used in infection control

Answer 12

• Ensure healthcare workers and healthy and vaccinated

- Ensure workers practice good clinical techniques

Question 13

Identify 6 environmental interventions used in infection control

Answer 13

• Cleaning
• Medical devices (Sterilisation, decontamination)
• Good food hygiene
• Appropriate kitchen and ward facilities
• Positive/ negative pressure rooms
• Built environment (Space, toilets, wash basins)

Question 14

Outline the I5 principle

Answer 14

1. Identify (Diarrhoea, Vomiting, BBV, Rash)
2. Isolate
3. Investigate
4. Inform
5. Initiate