Week 13: Infection Control and Nursing Practices - Part 1 Flashcards
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) impose a significant burden on Canadians and the healthcare system, affecting _____% of hospitalized patients
5-10%
What are considered less severe HAIs?
UTIs
What is a more severe HAI?
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
Why are HAIs so concerning?
HAIs prolong hospital stays and consume scarce resources.
How does Transmission occur?
When the agent in the reservoir exits through the portal of exit, travels via mode of transmission, and gains entry through a portal of entry to a susceptible host.
What are some ways that Transmission may be interrupted?
- The agent is eliminated or inactivated, or it cannot exit the reservoir
- The portals of exit are contained through safe practices
- Transmission between objects or people does not occur due to barriers and/or safe practices
- Portals of entry are protected
- Hosts are not susceptible
What are Routine Practices for nurses to prevent transmission?
Routine Practices are based on the premise that everyone potentially infectious, even when asymptomatic, and that the same safe standards of practice should be used routinely with all everyone to prevent exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin or soiled items and to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
What are additional precautions we can take as nurses?
Additional Precautions include the use of barriers, PPE and control of the environment that are put in place for encounters with the client/patient/resident or their immediate environment.
What are Clinical Syndromes?
Broad categories that encompass a range of signs and symptoms without a specific diagnosis.
Examples include fever, respiratory illness, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
What are Clinical Conditions?
Specific diagnoses based on definitive clinical, laboratory, or imaging findings.
Examples include tuberculosis, Clostridium difficile infection, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
List the Hierarchy of Controls from Most Effective to Least Effective
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- PPE
How would you apply Elimination to MRSA?
Implement rigorous screening protocols to identify and isolate MRSA carriers upon admission
How would you apply Substitution to MRSA?
Substitute non-essential or high-touch equipment and surfaces with those that have antimicrobial properties to reduce contamination risk.
How would you apply Engineering Controls to MRSA?
Install touchless hand sanitizer dispensers and automated doors to minimize contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
How would you apply Administration Controls to MRSA?
Develop and enforce stringent hand hygiene policies and regular training programs for all healthcare staff. Implement protocols for cleaning and disinfection of patient rooms and medical equipment.
How would you apply PPE to MRSA?
Ensure availability and proper use of PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and masks, especially when dealing with MRSA patients.
What are the 3 Transmission Routes we are most concerned about?
- Contact (including fomites)
- Droplet
- Airborne (aerosol-ish)
What are some other modes of Transmission that might occur?
Vector-borne
Waterborne
Foodborne
Perinatal
What is Vector-borne Transmission?
Diseases transmitted by insects or animals (e.g., malaria by mosquitoes, Lyme disease by ticks).
What is Waterborne Transmission?
Pathogens spread through contaminated water (e.g., cholera).
What is Foodborne Transmission?
Diseases spread through contaminated food (e.g., salmonella, E. coli).
What is Perinatal Transmission?
Diseases transmitted from mother to child during childbirth (e.g., HIV, syphilis).
What is a form of direct contact?
Hand shakes, skin to skin
What are forms of indirect contact (fomites)?
Touching contaminated surfaces
