Medical & Surgical Asepsis Flashcards
Topic 1: Microorganisms/Infection - Explain infection cycle & body's natural defense against infection Topic 2: Asepsis, Standard Precautions, Infection Control Topic 3: Handwashing & Non-Sterile Gloving Topic 4: Decontamination methods
What causes infection?
Microorganisms
Under what conditions do microorganisms grow and spread?
They grow and spread in dark moist areas that are close to the human body temperature (98.6 F)
What are aerobes?
Microorganisms that need oxygen.
What are anaerobes?
Microorganisms that do NOT need oxygen to survive.
Define Pathogens
Microbes that cause disease
Define Nonpathogens
Microbes that are harmless
Give a few examples of pathogens
Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Viruses
Define Bloodborne Pathogens and explain how they are dangerous
They are pathogens that are found in the blood, and they can produce or spread diseases. For example, if a person carries a bloodborne pathogen, and they donate their blood. Then the person receiving the blood will also get the disease.
Cycle of Infection
Reservoir Host
Means of Exit
Means of Transmission
Means of Entrance
Susceptible Host
Reservoir Host
Carrier of pathogen, allows pathogen to incubate and multiply
Means of Exit
Pathogens leave the host through bodily fluids (ex; blood, tears, sweat, saliva, feces, urine, vaginal secretions).
Means of Transmission
Pathogens are transmitted by air, physical contact, contaminated food, human/animal carriers, insects, soil, and fomites (inanimate objects).
Means of Entrance
Pathogen enters a new host through the respiratory, genitourinary, or gastrointestinal system; or through the eyes, ears, and open wounds.
Susceptible Host
The new host starts the cycle again
The Integumentary System
First line of defense: the largest organ (skin) acts as a barrier to protect your body
The Immune System
Second Line of Defense:
- contains lymph nodes throughout the body
- acts like a filter to remove pathogens from the blood
Define Immunity
Immunity: the ability to fight off disease
*Will Rewrite this section soon
- Cell-mediated: T4 lymphocytes & helper cells are the dominant players
- Humoral: B cells are responsible for antibody production
General Health State
Healthy individuals are more likely to defend themselves against pathogens (ex: regular exercise, nutrition, etc)
Other Natural Defenses
Mucous membranes
Cilia
Respiratory System
Acidic pH
Circulatory System
What is the purpose of a Mucous Membrane?
lines body cavity and passages serving as a barrier for microorganisms, reduces microbial growth
Cilia
Hair-like projections that traps/prevents microorganisms from entering the body further
How does our Respiratory System protect us from pathogens?
Coughing, sneezing, and so on to remove pathogens that are inhaled
Acidic pH
Urine expels microorganisms
Circulatory System
Certain cells destroy pathogens
Define Asepsis
The practice of maintaining a pathogen free environment
What are some practices of Medical Asepsis?
Keeping surfaces/objects clean
Properly disposing biological waste materials
Ensuring adequate lighting & ventilation
Wearing minimal jewelry
Wearing PPE
Define Surgical Asepsis
A pathogen free environment that kills and eliminates all microogranisms
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health)
- Regulates worker safety in all industries
- Reduce hazards
- Maintain health programs for employees
- Monitors & enforces regulations
CDC (Center of Disease Control & Prevention)
- Studies/monitors disease
- Prevention strategies
- Protecting public health (education, immunizations, etc)
Universal Precautions & Body Substance Isolation
Assume that all blood products, human tissues, and body fluids are potentially infectious.
Assume all body substances are infectious and must be isolated to prevent transmission of disease
Transmission-based Precautions
For patients that are (or potentially) infected, it is required to have a barrier protection (PPE).
Decontamination methods and their purpose
Sanitation: removes contaminated material from equipment, inactivates pathogens
Disinfectant: destroys some pathogens, used to clean surfaces or equipment
Sterilization: destroys all pathogens including spores
Name two processes used for sanitizing medical instruments
Manual Sanitation & Ultrasonic Sanitation
What are the levels for disinfectant?
Low: kills most bacteria and viruses
Medium: kills mycobacteria
High: kills all microorganisms
Notes: none eliminate bacterial spores
Define Medical Asepsis
The practice of preventing microorganisms and reducing the spread of disease
