Unit 3 - Infection Control Flashcards
Name the components of the chain of infection
Infectious agent reservoir portal of exit mode of transmission portal of entry host
What is a microorganism?
infection or etiological agent
4 factors microorganisms depend on to cause disease
- sufficient # of organism
- virulence (strength & type of organism)
- entry & survival in host
- Susceptibility of host
Nosocomial
= health-care associated infections (MRSA)
Reservior
place where pathogens are stored
What do pathogens need to survive?
Food; O2 levels (aerobic vs anaerobic); H2O; temp; pH; and little light.
What can be portals of exit?
Body openings (mouth, rectum, urethra, etc.) Breaks in skin or mucous membranes
4 modes of transporation
1. contact direct (touching, kissing) indirect (stethoscope, door handle) droplet (lands on surface) 2. Air 3. Vehicles (IV fluids, water) 4. Vectors --> animals/ insects (Lymes disease, West Nile
List ways to reduce transmission
- Hand Hygiene
- Don’t share equipment
- Careful w/ soiled items
- PPE
Moments for Hand hygiene
b/f touching pt b/f cleaning/ aseptic procedure After body fluid exposure After touching pt After touching pt’s surroundings
Host
Can enhance resistance
Degree of resistance to a pathogen.
Resistance increased by immunizations & exposure to disease.
Portal of entry
Body openings (mouth, rectum, urethra, etc.)
Breaks in skin or mucous membranes
The more devices, the more portals
Defenses to prevent infection
Normal Flora Body defense mechanisms – skin, tears, cilia, urine, stomach acid, etc. Drink H2O (flush system out!) Inflammation = protective vascular rxn S+S = redness, pain, heat, and swelling Immune system
Inflammatory response
- Vascular and cellular responses
- Inflammatory exudate
- Tissue repair
Serous exudate
Clean
sanguineous exudate
Blood
Purulent exudate
pus
Medical Asepsis
Clean technique
Asepsis
the absence of bacteria, viruses, & other microorganisms.
Which of the following nursing measures is appropriate in breaking a link in the chain of infection?
A. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing.
B. Place contaminated linens in a paper bag.
C. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) sparingly.
D. Wear gloves at all times.
A. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing.
The nurse has just admitted a patient to rule out Alzheimer’s disease. The patient is confused and spitting on everyone who enters the room. What should the nurse do?
A. Wait an hour until the patient calms down, and then use gloves when touching the patient.
B. Use gloves, a mask, a face shield, and a gown when entering the room to perform the initial assessment.
C. Administer a sedative, and then perform the assessment after the patient is asleep; no precautions would be needed.
D. Realize that isolation equipment might further confuse the patient and avoid using a face mask and shield, but use gown and gloves.
B. Use gloves, a mask, a face shield, and a gown when entering the room to perform the initial assessment.
If an infectious disease can be transmitted directly from one person to another, it is called which of the following? A. A susceptible host B. A communicable disease C. A portal of entry to a host D. A portal of exit from the reservoir
B. A communicable disease
A patient who has been admitted to your unit has been identified as being colonized by (is a carrier of) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which measure should be taken to prevent the spread of MRSA to other patients on the unit?
A. Place the patient in a single or a private room, and place the patient on contact precautions.
B. Standard precautions and routine practices only are indicated for the patient.
C. Place the patient in a room with another patient on isolation for Clostridium difficile.
D. Place the patient in a single room.
a. Place the patient in a single or a private room, and place the patient on contact precautions.
When should a gown be worn?
A. If the patient’s hygiene is poor.
B. If the patient has acquired immune deficiency syndrome or hepatitis.
C. If the nurse is assisting with medication administration.
D. If blood or body fluids may get on the nurse’s clothing from a task the nurse plans to perform.
D. If blood or body fluids may get on the nurse’s clothing from a task the nurse plans to perform.
