Lectur 3- An Infection Model

Question 1

When factors do you need to consider regarding the patient and infection?

Answer 1

Person- age, physiological state (pregnant), pathological state eg co morbidities, social factors (travel, smoker)

Time- calendar (winter flu)
Relative (incubation period etc)

Place- current and recent (what have you been doing and in contact with)

Question 2

Mechanisms of infection?

Answer 2

Inoculation
Contiguous 
Ingestion
Inhalation 
Vector (mosquito)
Vertical transmission (mother to child)
Haematogenous (from cut into blood)

Question 3

How does infection occur?

Answer 3

Attachment

Toxin production and interaction with host defences

Leads to inflammation and host damage

Question 4

How is infection managed?

Answer 4

History
Examination
Investigations

These three steps are used to make a diagnosis

Treatment which will be supportive and specific

Question 5

Difference between supportive and specific treatment?

Answer 5

Specific deals with 9infection itself eg antibiotic or surgery

Supportive deals with patient symptoms eg oxygenation, fluid, blood pressure management, ICU stuff

Question 6

What is debridement?

Answer 6

Removal of damaged tissue, infected material or foreign objects