Infection Control: Sites for and Causes of Health Care–Associated Infections

Question 1

What are some causes of surgical/traumatic wound infections?

Answer 1

• Improper skin preparation (shaving) before surgery
• Failure to properly cleanse skin surface
• Failure to use aseptic technique during dressing changes
• Use of contaminated antiseptic solutions
• Improper hand hygiene

Question 2

What are some causes of urinary tract infections?

Answer 2

• Inappropriate and unsterile catheterization techniques
• Inadequate monitoring of indwelling urinary catheters
• Obstructions or blockages in tubing
• Improper specimen collection technique
• Urine reflux from catheter/drainage tube into bladder
• Improper hand hygiene

Question 3

What are some causes of respiratory tract infections?

Answer 3

• Contaminated respiratory therapy equipment
• Failure to use aseptic technique during suctioning
• Improper disposal of secretions
• Improper hand hygiene

Question 4

What are some causes of bloodstream infections?

Answer 4

• Contamination from tubing or needle changes
• Insertion of medication additives to IV fluid
• Addition of connecting tubes/stopcocks to IV system
• Improper care of needle insertion site
• Improper insertion technique
• Contaminated needles or catheters
• Failure to change IV access site when inflamed
• Improper technique with multiple blood products
• Improper care of peritoneal/hemodialysis catheters
• Improper hand hygiene

Question 5

What is immune senescence?

Answer 5

• Age-related decline in immune system function
• Increases susceptibility to infection
• Lessens strength of overall immune response

Question 6

How do age-related changes affect response to infection?

Answer 6

• Result in atypical signs and symptoms

Question 7

Why are older persons more susceptible to infections?

Answer 7

• Chronic diseases allow infectious agents to invade
• Hospitalization/institutionalization increases exposure to pathogens

Question 8

What risks are associated with infections in older patients?

Answer 8

• Poor nutrition
• Unintentional weight loss
• Low serum albumin levels

Question 9

What infections have increased risk and mortality in older adults due to age-related immune changes?

Answer 9

• Pneumonia
• Influenza

Question 10

How may older persons present with infection?

Answer 10

• Altered response with atypical signs/symptoms like confusion