Infection Control Flashcards
Sepsis
The presence of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood or tissue.
Asepsis
Absence of microorganisms that produce disease; the prevention of infection by maintaining a sterile condition
Infection
The production of a disease or harmful condition by the entrance of disease producing germs into an organism.
Pathogen
A microorganisms that produces disease
Nosocomial
Pertaining to or originating in a hospital
Chain of Infection
Causative agent, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, Susceptible Host
Causative Agents
Virus, Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa
Reservoir
A place within which microorganisms can thrive and reproduce. Ex. Humans, animals, inanimate objects
Portal of Exit
Place of exit providing a way for the causative agent to leave the reservoir. Ex. In animals respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, and GI tract.
Mode of Transmission
The mechanism for transfer of an infectious agent from the reservoir to a susceptible host.
4 Modes of Transmission
Contact (indirect & direct), Droplet, Airborne, Vector Borne, Common Vehicle
Direct Contact
Person to person, actual physical contact
Indirect Contact
Can be due to contaminated object
Droplet Contact
Droplets can spread with coughing/sneezing. Up to 3 feet.
Airborne
Microorganisms are contained within droplets nuclei or dust particles.Ex. tuberculosis
Vector-borne
Mosquitos, flies, etc. Ex. West Nile
Portal of Entry
The path by which an infectious agent enters the susceptible host.
Portals of Entry
Respiratory tract, GI tract, Genitourinary tract,skin/mucous membranes, Transplacental, Parenteral (blood)
Susceptible Host
A person or animal lacking effective resistance to a particular pathogenic agent.
Isolation Precautions
Primary purpose is to protect the patient or objects from becoming contaminated or infected by pathogenic microorganisms
Medical Asepsis
Techniques desired to keep pathogens confined to a certain area, object, or person. May involve isolation of a patient.
(PPE) personal protective equipment
Gloves, Gown, Protective Eye and Face Shield, Masks, Boots, Shor a overs, CPR Shield
Standard Precautions
Designed to protect health care workers and patients in a hospital regardless of their diagnosis or infection status
Barriers
Gloves, Protective Clothing, Eye Protection, Face Shield, Mask, Mouthpiece, Intubation Device, Resuscitation Bag
3 Major Modes of Transmission in the Healthcare Setting
Puncture Wounds, Skin Contact, Mucous Membranes
Nosocomial Infection Sites
Surgical Sites, Respiratory, Bone and Joint Infection, CNS, Gastrointestinal System, Skin and Soft Tissue, Blood Steam, UTI, Cadiovascular, Eye/Ear/Throat Mouth Infection, Reproductive System
Hand Washing
Use to remove or reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms on the skin of your hands, wrists, and forearms. Before/After patient treatment. 30 Seconds Minimum.
Gloves & Gown with direct contact. Equipment keep inside the room.
Contact Precautions
Mask required when working within 3 feet of patient.
Droplet Precautions
N-95 Respirator Mask
Airborne Precautions
MRSA
Methicillin Resistant S. aureus
Contamination
When something goes rendered unclean or unsterile
Portals of Exit
Skin: Wounds, Breaks in skinTransplacentalBlood: Needle sticks, Blood transfusions.
