Medical Handwashing Flashcards
The scrubbing of hands thoroughly to remove dirt and microorganisms
Handwashing
Invasion and growth of microorganisms in the body
Infection
Infection acquired in the hospital setting
Nosocomial Infection
Touching a clean or sterile surface with unsterile object that might contain pathogenic microorganisms
Contaminate
The state of being free from disease causing microorganisms
Asepsis
Microorganisms or infectious agent capable of producing a disease
Pathogens
A substance that stops or slows down the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses,and fungi on the skin surface (alcohol, hand sanitizer, betadine solution)
Antiseptic
Chemicals that kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on nonliving surfaces(lysol, muriatic acid, chlorine)
Disinfectant
The infection control practice used to prevent contamination and transmission of microorganisms
Aseptic technique
Use practices to reduce the number, growth and spread of the microorganisms on the hands, referred to as the clean technique
Medical handwashing
A surgical hand scrub is done to remove microorganisms from the hands as possible before a sterile procedure, also called sterile technique
Surgical handwashing
Purposes of medical handwashing
To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
To reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms to clients
To reduce the risk of cross contamination among clients
To reduce the risk of transmission of infectious organisms to oneself
Chain of infection
How germs get in
Next sick person
Germs
Where germs live
How germs get out
Germs get around
How germs get in
Mouth
Cuts in the skin
Eyes
Next sick person
Babies, children, elderly, people with a weakened immune system, unimmunized people, anyone
Germs
Bacteria, Viruses, Parasites
Where germs live
People, animals/pets, wild animals, food, soil, water
How germs get out
Mouth, cuts in the skin, during diapering and toileting stool
Germs get around
Contact(hands, toy, sand), Droplets(speak,sneeze,cough)
An infection that affects only one body part or organ-signs of infection: redness, tenderness, swelling/inflammation, pain and loss of function of affected part
Localized
Sepsis, is an infection that affects the entire body and involves multiple organs
Systemic
The time from exposure to an infectious agent until the onset of symptoms, the exact time frame of incubation depends on the causative agent
Incubation period
Refers to the period after incubation and before the characteristic symptoms of infection occur, during this period the infections agent continues to invade and multiply in the host. A client may also be infectious to other persons at this time
Prodromal stage
When the client is manifesting specific symptoms of an infectious process
Illness stage
The period or time from when an acute symptom begin to disappear until the client returns to the previous state of health
Convalescence stage
The act of cleaning one’s hands with soap and water to remove viruses/bacteria/microorganisms, dirt, grease, or other harmful and unwanted substances stuck to the hands
Medical Handwashing
Washing hands with soap and water, or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent
Antiseptic Hand Hygiene
Applying an antiseptic hand rub to reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms without the need of using water and requiring no rinsing or drying with towels or other devices
Alcohol based hand rub
Surgical scrub is an important procedure required to reduce the risk of contamination by microorganisms during operative procedures. The surgical scrub involves first decontaminating the hands, then donning a sterile surgical gown and pair of sterile gloves
Surgical handwashing/scrubbing
Recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds
World Health Organization
Wash hands before and after caring for any sick person
TRUE
Wash hands_____,_______,and_______ preparing food
Before,during, after
Wash hands before eating
TRUE
Wash hands _____ using the toilet(for urination, defecation, menstrual hygiene)
After
Wash hands _____ helping someone who just used the toilet
After
Wash hands after blowing one’s nose or coughing/sneezing
TRUE
Wash hands _____ touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
After
Wash hands after touching garbage
TRUE
The world health organization defines critical moments for health care worker hand hygiene using
“My 5 moments for hand hygiene” approach
My 5 moments for hand hygiene approach
Before touching a patient
Before aseptic procedures
After body fluid exposure/risk
After touching a patient
Plain soap and water
Good
Antimicrobial soap & water
Better
Alcohol based hand rub
Best
Promotes the use of alcohol based hand rubs
Center for disease control and prevention
Why is alcohol based hand rub best in killing bacteria?
They kill bacteria more effectively and quickly
They are less damaging to skin
They require less time
Bottle can be placed at the point of care so they are more accessible
Fingernails and jewelry during handwashing
Keep natural nail tips less than 1/4 inch in length
No artificial nails or extenders
Removal of all jewelry
Common missed areas when handwashing
Between the fingers
Around the fingernails
Back of the thumb
5 types of faucet controls
Hand operated handles
Elbow controls
Knee levers
Foot pedals
Infrared controls
WHO RECOMMENDED HAND HYGIENE TECHNIQUE
Hand rub/hand wash
15-20 seconds
