infection control Flashcards
What is the definition of infection?
The invasion of the body by a pathogenic agent causing disease.
What are the five types of microorganisms that can cause infection?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.
How are bacteria categorized based on shape, staining, and oxygen needs?
Shape (cocci, bacilli, spirochetes), staining (Gram-positive, Gram-negative), oxygen (aerobic, anaerobic).
Why are viruses difficult to treat with antibiotics?
Viruses do not have cell walls and rely on host cells to replicate, making antibiotics ineffective.
What are some examples of opportunistic pathogens?
E. coli (UTI), Candida albicans (yeast infection), Pneumocystis jirovecii (pneumonia in immunocompromised patients).
What are the six links in the chain of infection?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.
How can the chain of infection be broken at each step?
Hand hygiene, sterilization, PPE, isolation precautions, proper disposal of waste, immunization.
What is the difference between direct and indirect contact transmission?
Direct: Physical contact (touching, kissing). Indirect: Contaminated surfaces (fomites).
What is the role of vectors in disease transmission?
Vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas carry and transmit infectious agents (e.g., malaria, Lyme disease).
Why are immunocompromised individuals more susceptible to infections?
They have weakened immune defenses, making it harder to fight infections.
What are the primary lines of defense against infection?
Intact skin, mucous membranes, cilia, gastric acid, and inflammatory response.
What is the difference between innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) immunity?
Innate: General defenses (skin, inflammation). Adaptive: Targeted response (antibodies, T-cells).
What are the main functions of the inflammatory response?
Vasodilation (increased blood flow), phagocytosis, and tissue repair.
How do B-cells and T-cells contribute to immunity?
B-cells produce antibodies; T-cells attack infected cells directly.
What are the different types of antibodies and their functions?
IgG (long-term immunity), IgA (mucosal defense), IgM (first response), IgE (allergic reactions), IgD (B-cell activation).
What is the purpose of standard precautions?
To prevent the spread of infections from all patients, regardless of diagnosis.
What PPE is required for contact precautions?
Gloves, gown (used for MRSA, C. difficile).
When should droplet precautions be used?
For infections spread by large droplets (e.g., influenza, meningitis, pertussis).
Why is an N95 respirator required for airborne precautions?
To protect against small, suspended particles carrying infections like TB, measles, and COVID-19.
What is a protective environment, and who requires it?
A private, positive airflow room for immunocompromised patients (e.g., chemotherapy, transplant recipients).
What are HAIs, and why are they significant?
Healthcare-associated infections; they increase hospital stays, costs, and mortality rates.
What are the differences between nosocomial and iatrogenic infections?
Nosocomial: Acquired in a healthcare setting. Iatrogenic: Caused by a medical procedure.
How can nurses prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
Proper catheter care, hand hygiene, early removal.
Why is hand hygiene considered the most effective infection prevention measure?
It removes pathogens before they spread.
When should soap and water be used instead of hand sanitizer?
When hands are visibly soiled or dealing with C. difficile or norovirus.
What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?
Medical asepsis: Reduces pathogens. Surgical asepsis: Eliminates all microbes (sterile technique).
How should a sterile field be maintained?
Avoid reaching over it, keep hands above waist level, use only sterile items.
Why should sterile gloves be used in certain procedures?
To prevent introducing pathogens into sterile areas (e.g., wound care, catheter insertion).
What are some common breaks in aseptic technique?
Touching a sterile field, turning your back, reaching over a sterile area.
When should you use alcohol-based hand rubs versus handwashing?
Hand rubs for routine decontamination; handwashing for visibly dirty hands.
What is the role of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases?
They stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against diseases.
What is the difference between active and passive immunity?
Active: Body produces its own antibodies (infection, vaccine). Passive: Antibodies given externally (mother to baby, immunoglobulin therapy).
How do herd immunity and vaccination programs help control infections?
They reduce the spread of disease, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.
Why do some individuals need booster vaccinations?
To maintain immunity when antibody levels decline over time.
What diseases require mandatory reporting to public health authorities?
TB, measles, hepatitis, COVID-19, meningitis.
What ethical dilemmas might a nurse face regarding infection control?
Patient refusal of precautions, staff noncompliance, resource limitations.
How can a nurse advocate for patient safety while ensuring compliance with infection control guidelines?
Educating patients, reinforcing PPE use, speaking up about unsafe practices.
What should a nurse do if they observe a healthcare provider violating infection control policies?
Report it to the infection control department or supervisor.
What are some legal consequences of not following infection control protocols?
Disciplinary action, malpractice lawsuits, loss of license.
How does patient education contribute to infection prevention?
Patients learn proper hygiene, vaccination importance, and when to seek medical attention.
