Infection Control Flashcards
Who is considered a pioneer of Anaesthesia and Epidemiology?
John Snow
Known for his work during the cholera outbreak in Soho, London in 1854.
What was linked to 700 deaths in the 1854 cholera outbreak?
Contaminated pump
The pump was located on Broad Street.
What are the two theories contrasted in the history of epidemiology?
Miasma vs. germ theory
These theories explain the causes of diseases in different ways.
Who drastically cut the incidence of puerperal fever?
Ignaz Semmelweis
He attributed the fever to ‘cadaverous particles’.
What are the clinical manifestations of infectious diseases?
Symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infection
Different infections may present with symptoms or none at all.
What are the different routes of transmission for infectious diseases?
Contact, droplet, airborne, vector-borne, common vehicle
These modes describe how infections spread.
What is the Basic Reproduction Number (R0)?
R0 = cqd
Where c = contact rate, q = probability of transmission, d = duration of infectivity.
What percentage of nosocomial infections in Canada are estimated to be preventable?
Approx. 1/3
This indicates a significant opportunity for improvement in infection control.
What are some antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs)?
- MRSA
- VRE
- CDAD
- CRE/CPE
- Candida auris
These organisms pose a challenge in healthcare settings.
What is the estimated number of nosocomial infections in Canada per year?
200,000 infections/year
This statistic highlights the scale of the issue.
What role does IPAC play in healthcare?
Reduces transmission, infection, outbreaks, morbidity and mortality, and costs
Infection Prevention and Control is crucial for patient safety.
What is an example of a well-known infection control principle?
WHO 5 moments of hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in infection control.
Fill in the blank: The agent in the infection transmission chain must be able to _______.
multiply
This is essential for the agent to cause infection.
What factors increase exposure risk for infection in hosts?
- Animal exposure
- Behavioral factors
- Medical care
- Socioeconomic status
These factors can significantly impact infection rates.
What is the mortality rate associated with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)?
15-50%
This highlights the seriousness of nosocomial infections.
True or False: All patients are considered potentially infectious.
True
This principle underlines the importance of routine precautions.
What are the primary strategies for infection control?
Routine practice and additional precautions
These strategies are based on risk assessment.
What is a common vehicle for infection transmission?
Contaminated blood products
This is a critical consideration in infection control.
What is the role of education in IPAC?
To inform and train healthcare personnel on infection prevention practices
Education is vital for effective infection control.
What does the acronym PHAC stand for?
Public Health Agency of Canada
This agency plays a role in national infection control strategies.
What is the duration of infection for nosocomial infections?
Greater than 48 hours post-admission
This timeframe is used to define nosocomial infections.
Fill in the blank: The ability of an agent to withstand stress is influenced by _______.
temperature, humidity, pH
These environmental factors affect the survival of infectious agents.
What is the significance of understanding the epidemiology of infectious diseases?
To manage and control the spread of diseases effectively
Understanding epidemiology is key to public health.