Lecture: Infection Control Flashcards
Colonization
Presence or growth of microorganisms without tissue damage or invasion; always present
Infection
Invasion of susceptible host by pathogens
Communicable Disease
Infectious disease that can be spread from person to person
Ways to break chain of infection
Reservoir, host, infectious agent, portal of entry, portal of exit, mode of transmission
What is the best way to avoid infection
Hand hygiene
Types of infectious agents
Bacteria, virus, fungi, protozoa
Common portals of exit
Respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breaks in skin, blood, tissue
Modes of transmission
Direct contact, indirect contact, airborne
Inflammation
Protective vascular response; brings fluid, blood and nutrients
Localized inflammation
Affects specific site; brings swelling, redness, pain, heat, reduced function
Systemic inflammation
Affects whole system; brings fever, leukocytosis, malaise, anorexia, lymph node enlargement, organ failure
What type of lab data would indicate infection?
Elevated WBC, elevated ESR, presence of pathogen in urine, blood, sputum or culture
What is a normal WBC?
5,000 to 10,000 mm3
Stages of infection
- Incubation period: growing/multiplying
- Prodromal stage: most infectious, symptoms vague
- Full stage of infection: specific symptoms
- Convalescent period: recovery
Normal defenses
Normal flora, body system defenses, inflammation
HAI
Hospital acquired infections or nosocomial infections
What are the most common types of hospital acquired infections?
Urinary catheter related, surgical site infections, pneumonia, sepsis
MRSA
Methicillin-Resistant Staph. Aureus
VRE
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci. Contracted through feces, urine or blood of infected person.
Clostridium Difficile
Spore forming bacteria; causes pseudomembranous colitis
Medical Asepsis
Clean technique
Surgical Asepsis
Sterile technique (ex: OR, inserting urinary catheter, sterile dressing changes)
