infection prevention Flashcards
chain of infection
- infectious/causative agent
- reservoir host
- exiting portal
- mode of transmission
- portal of entry
- susceptible host
asepsis
the condition of being free of pathogens (by breaking the chain of infection)
sterilization
the highest level of asepsis; sterilization kills all microorganisms/viruses/spores (autoclave, dry heat, chemically)
how long is it recommended to wash your hands for?
at least 20 seconds (with warm water + friction)
what are the conditions for bacterial growth?
- moisture
- warmth
- oxygen
- food
- time
agents of indirect transmission
- vector (ex. mosquito)
- fomite (ex. door handle)
medical asepsis
cleaning techniques used daily in every clinical setting (ex. hand-washing/gloves/masks) to prevent infection spreading but does NOT eliminate all pathogens
surgical asepsis
the act of eliminating all micro-organisms especially during invasive procedures (ex. sterile gloves/gowns/drapes)
what is important when using alcohol-based sanitizers?
- minimum of 60% alcohol
- do not use if hands are visibly dirty
sanitization
assuring medical equipment is as clean as possible (sterilization/disinfection/ultrasonic sanitization)
disinfection
destroying pathogens on a surface (does NOT destroy all microbial spores) using chemical solutions only on medical supplies/equipment/surroundings
cleansing sites prior to needle insertion
- disinfect site w/ 70% alcohol pads
- move from inner to outer circle
- air dry skin (do not touch site or blow)
order of donning PPE
- gown
- mask
- goggles/face shield
- gloves
order of doffing PPE
- gloves
- goggles
- gown
- mask
handling needles/sharps
- do NOT bend/recap/remove contaminated needles
- immediately discard used sharps/needles in sharps container
safety data sheets (SDS)
provide info on hazards/actions necessary when working w/ specific chemicals
nosocomical infection
hospital-acquired infection
examples of other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
- body fluids
- non-intact skin
- mucous membranes
