Infection Control and Prevention

Question 1

How do infection and colonisations differ?

Answer 1

Infection: Results in harm to body
Colonisation: Occupancy by pathogen but no harm is caused

Question 2

How is the environment altered to reduce infection?

Answer 2

1) Design/Layout: Hospital Beds are spread further apart
2) Maintaining a clean environment
3) Keeping infectious individuals isolated

Question 3

How can infections be identified and prevented?

Answer 3

1) Identify risks
2) Develop strategies to reduce risks
3) Ensure staff are aware of risks
4) policy developments
5) Audits

Question 4

What do staff do to prevent the transmission of infections?

Answer 4

1) Barrier Precautions: Wearing of PPE
2) Wash hands regularly
3) Isolation

Question 5

Where is norovirus found, what symptoms does it cause and how is it destroyed?

Answer 5

Found: Communal Spaces: Cruise ships, schools, restaurants, hospitals
Symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, (Gastroenteritis)
Destroyed: Unconventional cleaning methods as its resistant to alcohol hand gel, so killed by soap and water

Question 6

Why is Claustrum difficile hard to kill?

Answer 6

Acquired in spore form, so hard to treat and eradicate

Resistant to alcohol hand gel and cleaning methods

Question 7

What are endogenous infections?

Answer 7

Infection of a patient by their own flora.

It is important to be aware of this when treating hospitalised patients

Question 8

How can endogenous infections be prevented?

Answer 8

• Good nutrition and hydration.
• Antisepsis.
• Control the underlying disease.
• Remove lines and catheters.
• Reduce antibiotic pressure e.g. short courses.