Lesson 1 - Infection Control Flashcards
Chain of Infection
-the cyclic loop that involves spreading infection
-6 parts to the chain of infection
Goal of Infection
break the chain
1/6: Infectious Agents
-pathogens that produces diseases
-the pathogen enters a susceptible host and survives
2/6: Reservoir
-where pathogens survive and multiply
-needs: right temperature, pH, light
-examples of reservoirs: animals, food, poop, people, surfaces
3/6: Portals of Exit (from reservoir)
-places on reservoir where the pathogen can exit
-must asses portals of exit beforehand
-ie. eyes, nose, vagina, anus, mouth, broken skin, etc.
4/6: Vehicle
-mode of transmission through a non-living object
-washing hands most important in preventing
-ie E. coli in feces
Direct Contact
-with an infected or colonized patient
-ie C. diff or MRSA
Indirect Contact
via an object
Droplets
-large droplets produced by coughing or sneezing
-ie influenza, rubella
Airborne
-smaller droplets suspended in the air
-ie measles, chicken poz
Vector
-method of transportation via a living thing
-ie mosquitoes, rabies
5/6: Portals of Entry
-places where microorganisms enter another person after exiting the reservoir
-ie broken skin, mouth, vagina, nose, eye, insect bite
6/6: Susceptible Host
-place where the pathogen can survive and eventually pass on to the next person
-some people are more susceptible: babies, malnourished/stressed people, elderly people, cancer patients
Factors infection depends on
-virulence of microorganisms
-resistance of the host
Localized Infection
-infection that affects only one body part or organ
Systemic Infection
-infection in the bloodstream that spreads to the entire body
Controlling Infectious Agents
-washing hands
-PPE
-sterile equipment
-isolation
-antibiotics/antivirals
Asepsis
absence of virus, bacteria, microorganisms
Medical Asepsis
-reduces organisms on surface
-gloves, routine cleaning, hand washing, clean stethoscope, bedpan, furniture
Surgical Asepsis
-eliminates organisms
-sterile techniques (year 2)
Managing Portals of Exit
-tissues
-wound care/bandage disposal
-hand washing
-covering cough
When to wash hands
-before and after each patient
-when hands are visibly soiled
-before touching equipment (ie. in supply closet)
-after body fluid exposure
-before aseptic procedure
-after touching patient surroundings
Gloves
-prevention of contact between body fluids and wounds
Gown
-prevent stuff going on uniform
Mask
-prevent airborne droplets
-isolation patients
Face Shield
-prevent splashing
Protecting Susceptible Host
-skin hygiene (lotion, bathing)
-oral hygiene (clean mouth, denture care)
-linens (not folded, prevent ulcers)
-immunizations
Contact Precautions (green poster)
-microorganisms spread by direct contact
-gown and gloves
-ie C. diff, MRSA (wound), staph infection
-when any body fluid exposure is possible
Droplet Precautions (orange poster)
-microorganisms spread by droplets during sneezing, coughing, talking
-mask and eye protection
-ie mumps, MRSA (nares)
Contact and Droplet Precautions (yellow poster)
-microorganisms spread by droplets during sneezing, coughing, talking
-mask, gloves, eyewear, gown
-ie influenza, mumps, MRSA (nares)
Airborne Precautions (blue poster)
-microorganisms are airborne droplets suspended in air during sneezing, coughing, talking
-N95 mask
-ie TB, measles
-isolation precautions
Isolation
-single room with negative air pressure, door closed, dedicated equipment
Airborne and Contact Precautions (purple poster)
-microorganisms are airborne droplets that are suspended in air during coughing and sneezing that settle on surfaces
-ie shingles, chicken pox
-isolation precautions
Caring For Isolation Patients
-assess risk/infection reason: age, stress, nutritional state, illness, known microorganisms, chain of infection (how did they get it?)
-communicate with patient/family openly and often
-consider health literacy
-assess emotional state
-assess understanding of isolation precautions
Community Acquired Infection
-infections contracted outside of the hospital
Nosocomial Infection
-acquired during receiving health care
