Unit 3 Providing Patient Nursing Care (Pt. 1) Flashcards
Chain of Infection
the process resulting in an infection
What are the 6 parts of the chain of infection?
infectious agent source portal of exit mode of transmission portal of entry susceptible host
Considerations for chain of infection
the presence of a pathogen does not mean an infection will begin
the pathway must be intact for an infection to occur
defenses against infection
normal flora
inflammation
immune response
What is normal flora?
the body’s own microorganism
Where is normal flora found?
saliva, intestines, skin, oral mucosa
What is an immune response?
antigen created when an exposure happens
antibodies are created
What is a healthcare acquired infection?
development of an infection while in the hospital
What are examples of healthcare acquired infection?
CLABSIs
CAUTIs
SSIs
IVACs
What does CLABSIs stand for?
central line associated bloodstream infections
What does CAUTIs stand for?
Catheter associated UTIs
What does SSIs stand for?
surgical site infection
What does IVACs stand for?
Ventilator associated infections
What are the causes of healthcare acquired infection?
lower resistance (body is already trying to heal from something) failure to follow sterility
How do you prevent healthcare acquired infection?
Medical asepsis
surgical asepsis
What has influenced the recent decline in healthcare acquired infections?
the affordable care act making hospitals responsible for the costs associated with care that comes with healthcare acquired infections
What is the oldest, most basic, and most effective technique in preventing and controlling the transmission of infection?
hand hygiene
What are the hand hygiene methods used in hospitals?
soap & water
antiseptic hand rub
When would you not use antiseptic foam?
when hands are visibly soiled or when caring for a patient with a spore-forming organism (C-Diff)
What are the two types of precaution?
standard precaution
transmission-based precaution