Medical Asepsis/Routine Precautions Flashcards
explain infection and chain of infection
=>microorganism =>reservoir => portal of exit =>
route of transmission => portal of entry to host => susceptibility of host =>
and around and around and around
what is the most important procedure to break the chain of infection?
Hand Hygene
What microorganisms are considered infectious agents?
Bacteria, Virus, Parasites, Fungus
The potential for microorganisms to cause disease depends upon:
the health and condition of patient, age, immune status, heredity, level of stress, smoking, nutrition
explain when resident skin micro-organisms can be pathogenic
an imbalance between microorganisms and defenses.
highly virulent, microbial load is greater than available defences
compromised defence mechanisms (skin fissures, aids etc)
why do you dry your hands from fingers to wrists
keeps your hands cleanest - as you move up your arms microorganisms get on the towel
What is a reservoir and what is the most common reservoir?
a reservoir is the place where a microorganism resides.
the most common is human
other are plants, animals, or general environment
example of Aerobic organism
staphylococcus species (bacteria)
examples of Anaerobic organism
Clostridium tetani - causes tetnus
modes of transmission for microorganisms
direct, indirect, droplet, airborne, vehicle borne
resident vs. transient microorganisms
resident: normally resides on the skin
transient: attatches to the skin when there is direct contact with another person
nosocomial or exogenous infection
source is outside the host and results from a healthcare setting
disinfection
elimination of all pathogens except bacterial spores
contamination
process by which an object becomes unclean or contaminated
sterilization
procedure that completely eliminates ALL microorganisms
Asepsis
the absence of pathogenic organisms
How do you protect a susceptible host against infection
maintain integrity of skin and moist mucous membrane in nasal passages oral hygene high acidity of stomach resident flora of large intestine urine flow thorugh uretha low PH of the vagina ensure a balanced diet educate importance of immunizations
Ways to reduce transmission of infection
change dressings and bandages
skin and oral health
disposing of damp, soiled linens appropriately
disposing of fecal matter and urine appropriately
cover and cap all fluid containers
empty suction and drainage bottles
clinical signs of infection
inflammation & redness swelling pain purulent exudate (pus) fever elevated leukocyte count (WBC)