infection control

Question 1

what is the difference between infection and colonisation?

Answer 1

infection requires harm to be done to the individual eg by toxins, invasion or host cell response, in colonisation no harm is caused and the organisms may be beneficial

Question 2

what do the infection control team do?

Answer 2

advise, monitor and educate

Question 3

what factors about the environment of the hospital play a part in transmission?

Answer 3

design
cleaning
isolation

Question 4

how can we identify pts at risk of transmission of infection?

Answer 4

risk factors - (eg recent travel) epidemiology
screening (eg for MRSA)
clinical diagnosis (have they got an infectious disease?)
lab diagnosis (what infection is it)

Question 5

what are the 3 sources of infection to a pt?

Answer 5

staff
environment
another pt

Question 6

How can we reduce direct pt to pt transmission?

Answer 6

isolation
barrier nursing - gloves, apron
war design - eg no. of toilets, distance between beds
depends on mode of transmission - resp, faeco-oral

Question 7

how can we reduce transmission of infection between pts via staff?

Answer 7

hand washing
barrier precautions
PPE

Question 8

what is the single most effective way of preventing cross-infection?

Answer 8

hand washing/hygeine

Question 9

what are the 5 moments of hand hygiene?

Answer 9

before pt contact 
before aseptic task
after body fluid exposure (not before as in formative)
after pt contact 
after contact with the pt surroundings

Question 10

what are the most frequently missed parts of the hand in hand washing?

Answer 10

thumb

in between fingers

Question 11

what is an endogenous infection and give examples where this can occur

Answer 11

infection of a pt by their own flora
invasive devices
surgical pts

Question 12

how can we prevent endogenous healthcare associated infections?

Answer 12

good nutrition and hydration
antisepsis and skin prep
control the underlying disease - drain pus
remove lines and catheters as soon as possible
reduce antibiotic pressure - give antibiotics for the right period of time, ie not for too long and give narrow spectrum

Question 13

list important things to be aware of when disposing of sharps

Answer 13

sharps bins must be correctly assembled
never re-sheath a needle
never overfill a sharps bin
be aware of the needle stick injury policy