Infection Flashcards
Which cleansers will kill spores?
Idophors (iodine), hydrogen peroxide (on surfaces), bleach choline (blood spills)
What would you use to clean blood on a surface?
Bleach (choline)
What could you use to clean an area to protect from CDif, as long as the skin is in-tact?
idophors (iodine)
What is Phenol used to clean? What will it NOT protect against?
Phenol is used in the cleansing of surfaces; it does not kill spores.
What does Chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) clean? What is it NOT effective against?
Hibiclens is a soap used to cleans the hands. It does not kill spores, tuburculosis or fungi.
What does Triclosan (Bacti-Stat) clean? What is the only thing it kills?
Triclosan kills bacteria only. It is used to clean hands and in-tact skin.
What gas is used to sterilize equipment?
Ethylene oxide gas destroys microorganisms by interfering with their metabolic processes. It is also effective against spores. Its advantages are good penetration and effectiveness for heat-sensitive items. Its major disadvantage is its toxicity to humans.
Radiation is used in sterilization. What are the two types of radiation used? What are the drawbacks of each?
Both ionizing (e.g., alpha, beta, x-rays) and nonionizing (ultraviolet light) radiation are used for disinfection and sterilization. The main drawback to ultraviolet light is that the rays do not penetrate deeply. Ionizing radiation is used effectively in industry to sterilize foods, drugs, and other items that are sensitive to heat. Its main advantage is that it is effective for items difficult to sterilize, and its chief disadvantage is that the equipment is very expensive.
Alpha, beta and x-rays are what kind of radiation?
ionizing radiation which is very expensive but is effective on difficult to sterilize items.
Ultraviolet light is what kind of radiation
Ultraviolet light is nonionizing. It cannot pernitrate deeply and so is less effective than ionizing radiation.
What is the disadvantage of boiling water?
Boiling water
This is the most practical and inexpensive method for sterilizing in the home. The main disadvantage is that this method does not kill spores and some viruses. Boiling for a minimum of 15 minutes is advised to disinfect articles in the home.
What is an autoclave? Why is it important.
It kills spores. It is vital for equipment. “Moist heat
To sterilize with moist heat (e.g., in an autoclave), steam under pressure is used to attain temperatures higher than the boiling point. It cannot be used for items that can be damaged by heat, moisture, or high pressure, a major disadvantage.”
What do antifungals target? What should a nurse be aware of when giving these?
Target the plasma membranes/inhibit ergosterol synthesis. Carefully monitor the patient’s condition.
Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment and severe bone marrow suppression as well as patients who are pregnant.
Closely monitor kidney function (intake and output, BUN, creatinine, daily weights).
Monitor serum electrolytes.
What do antimalarial drugs do? What do nurses need to do when administering these?
Antimalarial drugs interrupt the life cycle of the plasmodium.
Carefully monitor the patient’s condition.
Provide education about the prescribed drug treatment.
Do not use in patients with hematologic disorders or severe skin disorders such as psoriasis or in patients who are pregnant.
Assess lab results (CBC, liver and renal function tests, G5PD deficiency).
Obtain a baseline electrocardiogram.
Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects and changes in cardiac rhythm.
What do anthelminthic drugs do? What roles do nurses play?
They kill worms. Monitor vital signs, CBC, and liver function studies after obtaining a baseline.
Identify specific worm or parasite before initiating therapy.
Educate on nature of parasite infestation to prevent future reinfestation.
Warn patients if bowel elimination of the worm is anticipated.
Assess for gastrointestinal symptoms.
Monitor for CNS side effects.
What are mycoplasma?
Mycoplasma are very small bacteria that have no cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis, such as the penicillins.
What are rickettsia and chlamydia?
Bacteria. Rickettsia and Chlamydia are obligate intracellular parasites with a rigid cell wall; they use vitamins, nutrients, and products of metabolism (e.g., ATP) from the host. Chlamydia are transmitted by direct contact, whereas Rickettsia infect the cells of arthropods (e.g., fleas, ticks, lice) and are transmitted from these vectors to humans.
What diseases do rickettsia and chlamydia cause?
Including Spotted Fever & Typhus Fever Rickettsioses, Scrub Typhus, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichioses
What are parasites?
The term parasite is typically applied to members of the animal kingdom that infect and cause disease in other animals. Protozoa, helminths, and arthropods are considered parasites. Protozoa are single-celled organisms transmitted via direct or indirect contact or by an arthropod vector. Helminths are wormlike parasites. Roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes are examples. They gain entry into humans primarily through ingestion of fertilized eggs or penetration of larvae through the skin or mucous membranes. Arthropod parasites, such as scabies (mites), lice, and fleas, typically infest external body surfaces, causing localized tissue damage and inflammation. Transmission is by direct contact with the arthropod or its eggs.
what is the normal range for white blood cells?
Total WBCs: 4500–10,000 per mm3
