Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens Flashcards
Healthcare Facility musts
clean and sterile to prevent spread of disease
precautions to minimize risk of contamination
aware of potential dangers with blood and materials
Bloodborne Pathogens
pathogenic organisms present in blood and other fluids
Hepatitis B, C, A, D, E, HIV, and Syphilis
Hep B (HBV)
major cause of viral infection
Symptoms: swelling, soreness, loss of normal liver function, flu-like symptoms, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
Management of Hep B
vaccination against HBV
three dose vaccination over 6 months
post-exposure plan, vaccination is available and organized to take care of person exposed to blood or bodily fluid
Prevention of Hep B
good personal hygiene
be cautious of blood and bodily fluids on surfaces
Hep C (HCV)
acute and chronic form liver disease
most chronic bloodborne infection in US
leading indication for liver transplant
80% of people have no symptoms and therefore dont know they have it
Prevention of Hep C
can be spread through sexual contact, tattoos or piercings
Management for Hep C
No vaccine for HCV
Interferon and ribavirin are 3 drugs that can treat
dont drink alcohol
HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)
a retrovirus that combines with host cell
destroys immune system
WHO states 42 million have HIV in 2004
Symptoms and Signs of HIV
transmitted through blood and fluid
fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, fever
antibodies develop 1 year
may go for 8-10yrs before symptoms develop
most people AIDS
Types of Wounds: Abrasions and Laceration
Abrasion: skin scrape against rough surface, top layer of skin is rubbed away, exposure to dirt and infectious things
Laceration: blunt force delivered, basically a serious cut
Types of Wounds: Puncture Wounds
Puncture Wounds: easily occur, penetration can lead to tetanus bacillus being introduced to bloodstream, don’t yank out if left in
Avulsion: skin is torn from body w/ major bleeding, place avulsed tissue in saline, plastic bag w/ cold water, take to hospital
Incision: wounds with smooth edges
Dressing
sterile dressing to keep clean, change dressing regularly, antibacterial ointments to limit bacterial growth and scarring by keeping things clean and moist
Closure Techniques
staples, stitches, bandages, sterry strips, glue
Make a decision on what to do within 12 hours
Longer than a 1/2 inch, deeper than 1/4 inch requires closure
Signs of Wound Infection
inflammation, pus, fever, pain, heat
Sepsis is when infection spreads dramatically and becomes life-threatening
