Preventing Infection Flashcards
Infection is a
major safety and health hazard.
microorganism (microbe)
a small living thing seen only with a microscope.
Harmful microbes are called
Pathogens
Bacteria
one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly.
Fungi
plant-like organisms that live on other plants or animals
Protozoa
one-celled animals.
Rickettsiae
are found in fleas, lice, ticks, and other insects.
Viruses
grow in living cells, require a host to survive
Normal flora
microbes that live and grow in a certain area.
○They are non-pathogens when in or on a natural reservoir.
○When a non-pathogen is transmitted from its natural site to another site or host, it becomes a pathogen.
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)
microbes that can resist the effects of antibiotics
Two common types of MDROs
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE
Infection
is a disease state that results from the invasion and growth of microbes in the body
Healthcare-associated infection (HAI)
An HAI is an infection that develops in a person cared for in any setting where health care is given.
Common sites for HAIs are:
○The urinary system
○The respiratory system
○Wounds
○The bloodstream
Asepsis
is being free of disease-producing microbes.
Medical asepsis (clean technique) is used to
○Remove or destroy pathogens.
○Prevent pathogens from spreading from one person or place to another person or place.
:Surgical asepsis (sterile technique)
keeps items free of all microbes.
Contamination
is the process of becoming unclean
A sterile item or area is contaminated when…
pathogens or non-pathogens are present.
Sterilizing is conducted through
.○Very high temperatures
Disinfection is conducted through
Chemical disinfectants
Non-intact skin
skin with open breaks
Double-bagging is needed if
the outside of the bag is wet, soiled, or may be contaminated
OPIM
Other potentially infectious materials, Also spread HIV and HBV
Exposure Control Plan
The agency has an exposure control plan
Agency Control Plan Includes
- It identifies staff at risk for exposure to blood or OPIM.
- The plan tells what to do for an exposure incident.
- Staff at risk receive free training upon employment and then yearly.
- Training is also done for new or changed tasks involving exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of exposure include:
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Engineering and work practice controls
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
