infection control

Question 1

what is the infection cycle

Answer 1

1. infectious agent (bacteria, fungus, virus)
2. reservoir of pathogen growth
3. portal of exit from reservoir
4. mode of transmission
5. portal of entry to host
6. susceptible host

Question 2

what is virulence

Answer 2

ability to cause disease

Question 3

what is normal flora

Answer 3

microorganisms that inhibit various body sites and part of bodys natural defence

Question 4

what is an opportunist

Answer 4

bacteria = normally no problem but potentially harmful

Question 5

reservoir

Answer 5

natural habitat of organism that allows growth and multiplication. e.g human, food, soil, water, animals

Question 6

stages of infection

Answer 6

1. incubation period (invasion and appearance of symptoms)
2. prodromal stage- most infectious
3. full stage of illness
4. convalescent stage

Question 7

factors risking infection

Answer 7

• skin and membrane state
• pH levels and GI and GU
• white blood cell resistance
• age, sex, race and genetics
• immunisation
• fatigue, climate, health, treatment, meds
• stress
• use of invasion medical devices

Question 8

what is a nosocomial infection

Answer 8

acquired via the hospital

Question 9

asepsis

Answer 9

the absence of pathogenic micros

Question 10

how to control/eliminate infectious agents

Answer 10

• cleansing
• disinfecting
• sterilisation

Question 11

how to control reservoirs

Answer 11

• eliminating body fluids
• discarding infectious material
• careful handling of exudate
• education to client about resp infection spread
• hand washing
• maintain skin integrity