Infection Prevention & Control Flashcards
terms: Infection
when a pathogen invades tissues & begins multiplying w/in a host
terms: colonozation
Presence & multiplication of microorganism w/in a host but w/out tissue invasion or damage
terms: Communicable disease
that which can be transmitted from one individual to another
terms: Symptomatic infection
when pathogens multiply & cause signs & symptoms of disease
terms: Asymptomatic infection
when pathogens multiply but no clinical signs & symptoms are present
terms: virulence
ability to produce disease
What makes up prevention & control?
Hand hygiene
Barrier techniques
Antiseptics/Disinfectants
Immunizations/meds
Conscientious pt care
What is the most important action for preventing infection?
hand hygiene
Why is hand hygiene so important?
The longer the duration of care - w/out hand hygiene - the higher the degree of contamination (colonization) on the HCW’s hands
Who is our professional responsibility to?
pt’s
ourselves
coworkers
organizations
profession
What is a healthcare-associated infection?
Increased morbidity & mortality of pt’s
Increased costs to the org
Decreased trust
What are our 5 moments for hand hygiene?
- before touching a pt
- before clean/aseptic procedure
- after body fluid exposure risk
- after touching a pt
- after touching pt surroundings
What are natural defense mechanisms against infection?
Skin
Mouth
Eyes
Respiratory tract
Urinary tract
GI tract
Vagina
Chain of infection: What are the infectious agents?
Viruses
Bacteria
Fungus
Protozoans
Helminthes
Prions
Chain of infection: What is a reservoir?
any natural setting where growth & reproduction of an infectious agent can occur
Chain of infection: What are reservoirs?
Humans
Animals
Food
Water
Insects/Arthropods
Inanimate objects
Soiled or wet dressings
Hospital equipment
Chain of infection: Where are portals of exit?
Respiratory: sputum, cough, sneeze
G-U: reproductive secretions, urine
G-I: saliva, emesis, blood & feces
Venous system: blood
MM & Non-Intact Skin: draining wounds
Eyes/ears
Means of transmission: What is direct contact?
person to person
Modes of transmission: what is indirect contact:
fomite (objects)
Means of transmission: what is respiratory transmission?
through the air
Means of transmission: what is vector transmission?
insect transmission
Where are high touch areas for indirect contact transmission?
Gowns, linen, objects in immediate environment
Handles
IV poles
VS machines, stethoscopes
Accudata machines
Many others
Disinfecting wipes: What are the uses for Bleach wipes
In cases where C-diff is suspected or confirmed & used in the case of loose or incontinent stool on equipment pr surfaces
Disinfecting wipes: how long are bleach wipes required to be on the surface to kill pathogens?
3 mins of wet to dry on surfaces to kill pathogens
Disinfecting wipes: When are Hydrogen Peroxide (H-P) wipes used?
used for most routine equipment & surface disinfection
Disinfecting wipes: how long do hydrogen peroxide need to be on the surface to kill pathogens?
HP wipes require 1 min of wet to dry surfaces to kill pathogens
Where are portal of entry sites?
GI-GU tract
Mucous membranes
Skin integrity tract
eyes
Who are susceptible hosts?
Immunocompromised
Aged or the very young
Trauma/Surgery
Indwelling devices
Skin, mucous membrane breaks
Poor oxygenation
Impaired circulation
Chronic or acute disease
Antibiotic resistant (MDRO)
Poor aseptic measures
Stress
Crowded environments
Poor sanitation
Travel exposure
