Infection Prevention & Control - Hygiene Flashcards
definition of INFECTION
- type of PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE within the US & the world
- constantly EVOLVE - everchanging
- when a pathogen invades tissues & begins growing within a host
what are some examples of INFECTIOUS DISEASES?
- INFLUENZA (FLU)
- COVID
- AIDS
- PNEUMONIA
- MEASLES
- STIs
definition of HAIs
- stands for HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS
- results from INFECTION due to contact with HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL
- type of PATIENT SAFETY ISSUE
how many typically in a hospital have at least one HAI?
- around 1 in 25 hospitalized patients
(CDC SURVEY)
why is it so important to prevent HAIS?
- have to maintain and keep proper PATIENT SAFETY & HEALTH
- can have FINANCIAL ISSUES & LIABILITY
definition of COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
IDs that are transmitted DIRECTLY from ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER
what are the types of COMMUNICABLE DISEASES?
- SYMPTOMATIC
signs and symptoms present - ASYMPTOMATIC
signs and symptoms are not present
what is the difference between INFECTION & COLONIZATION?
INFECTION:
where pathogen invades the tissue & begins GROWTH in host
COLONIZATION;
where we have GROWTH + PRESENCE of microorganism–BUT NO TISSUE INVASION or DAMAGE
what is the CHAIN OF INFECTION?
- INFECTIOUS AGENT
- RESERVOIR
- PORTAL OF EXIT
- MODES OF TRANSMISSION
- PORTAL OF ENTRY
- SUSCEPTIBLE HOST
what are some types of INFECTIOUS AGENTS/
- bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- protozoa
what are our RESERVOIRS?
- these are our “HOSTS” - typically the HUMAN HANDS
- FOOD
- OXYGEN [AEROBIC BACTERIA]
- WATER
- TEMPERATURE
- pH
- LIGHT
what are our PORTALS OF EXITS?
- SKIN/MUCOUS MEMBRANES
- RESPIRATORY TRACT (cough, sneeze)
- URINARY TRACT (urine, feces)
- GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT (mouth, stomach, flora)
- REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
- BLOOD (HIV, HBV…)
what are our MODES OF TRANSMISSION?
- most common; HANDS
- can be through CONTACT [direct or indirect]
- DROPLETS
- AIRBORNE
- VEHICLE (contaminated items)
- VECTORS
what are our PORTALS OF ENTRY?
- the same as PORTALS OF EXIT
how does one become a SUSCEPTIBLE HOST?
- through INVASIVE PROCEDURES;
surgeries, catheters (both DIRECT PORTALS OF ENTRY) - being IMMUNOCOMPROMISED;
AIDS, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, normal flora compromised
definition of SUSCEPTIBILITY
- depends on a person’s degree of resistance to a pathogen
- affected by one’s own NATURAL DEFENSES against these microorganisms rather than the NUMBER of microorganisms
How do we IDENTIFY INFECTIOUS ORGANISMS?
- use of SPECIMENS in BODY FLUID
- SPUTUM
- BLOOD
- DRAINAGE (urine)
definition of RESERVOIR
a place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host
definition of STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
- precautions that are based and USED FOR EVERY PATIENT in order to DECREASE THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION
- involves HAND HYGIENE
- proper GLOVES
- wearing necessary PPE if involved with blood or body fluids
- safe COUGHING ETIQUETTE, & INJECTION PRACTICES
what are the THREE TYPES of TRANSMISSION-BASED ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS?
- AIRBORNE
- DROPLET
- CONTACT
describe AIRBORNE ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS
- used for VERY SMALL DROPLETS; often with use of N95 mask
- used for MEASLES, VARICELLA, & HERPES ZOSTER
- use of a PRIVATE ROOM with NEGAITVE-PRESSURE AIRFLOW + RESPIRATOR
describe DROPLET ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS
- used for spread in terms of CLOSER PROXIMITY; can spread through m. membranes, nose, eyes, mouth
- used for FLU, PERTUSSIS, RSV
- use of PRIVATE ROOM/COHORT PATIENTS, RESPIRATOR
describe CONTACT ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS
- used for risk of DIRECT or INDIRECT CONTACT
- used for MRSA, VRE, C. DIFF., SCABIES
- use of PRIVATE ROOM/COHORT, GLOVES, GOWNS
can there be PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS to isolated patients?
YES, can feel LONELY, DEPRESSED, or have ANXIETY
- be aware & address the issue; reassurance & being transparent/keeping them company