1. For the Healthcare Worker
Infection Control
For the Healthcare Worker

2. Microorganism
Small living organism that cannot be seen with the naked eye
Have to have microscope in order to view microorganisms
They are found everywhere, in the environment, including on &
In the Human body

3. Pathogens Microorganisms that cause infection and disease.
There are many different classes of microorganisms, we will discuss a few that affect humans

4. Nonpathogen
Microorganisms that are part of the normal flora and are beneficial to certain body processes.

5. Bacteria Simple one-celled Multiply rapidly
Classified by shape and arrangement
Cocci, Bacilli, & Spirilla

6. Cocci Round in shape They can occur in pairs, chains or groups
They cause diseases such as:
Gonorrhea
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Strep throat or Staph infections

7. Bacilli Rod shaped bacteria Some diseases caused by bacilli are: TB
Tetanus
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Botulism

8. Spirilla Spiral or corkscrew in shape
Some diseases caused by spirilla bacteria:
Syphilis

9. Other Microorganisms Protozoa: Cause malaria, trichomonas,
These are one-celled animal-like organisms
Found in decayed materials and contaminated water
Fungi: Cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, yeast vaginitis and thrush
Plant-like organisms that live on dead organic material

10. Rickettsiae: These are parasitic microorganisms, which means
They cannot live outside the cells of another living organism.
They are commonly found in fleas, lice, ticks and mites.
They are transmitted to human by bites of these insects.
Causes diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

11. Viruses Smallest microorganisms
Visible only using an electron microscope
Cannot reproduce unless they are inside another living cell.
Spread from human to human via blood and other body fluids
There is no cure for viruses!!!

12. Viruses cause many diseases
Common cold
Measles
Mumps
Chicken pox
Herpes
Warts
Flu
polio
3 viruses of main concern to the healthcare worker:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV & AIDS

13. Hepatitis B Hepatitis B affects the liver
Vaccine has been developed to protect from HBV
Hepatitis B can kill you!

14. Hepatitis C Causes serious liver damage
No vaccine yet, but is in stages of development
Both B & C can remain active in dried blood for days!

15. HIV & AIDS There is no cure and no vaccine available
Cancer and Infections is the leading cause of death for a person infected with the virus
Healthcare workers should protect themselves

16. Conditions required for bacteria growth
Warm environment
Body temperature is ideal
Darkness
Source of food and moisture
Some require oxygen (aerobic)
Anaerobic do not require oxygen
Endogenous: the infection originates within the body
Exogenous: the infection originates outside the body

17. Nosocomial & Opportunistic
Nosocomial infections are acquired in a healthcare facility.
Usually passed from the healthcare worker to the patient
Hospitals usually have an infection control nurse to track these
Opportunistic infections occur when the body defense is weak
PCP or Kaposi’s sarcoma in a patient with HIV

18. For infections to occur & spread
Causative agent or pathogen present
Enough pathogen to cause disease
A susceptible host
A portal of entry

19. For infections to occur and spread
Reservoir or host where it can live
May include human body, animals, the environment, or fomites (objects such as doorknobs, bedpans, linens, instruments, etc.)

20. For infections to occur and spread
Mode of transmission or way in which it can be transmitted to another reservoir
Direct contact (hands)
Indirect contact (food)
Air bourne (breathing them in)
Vector bourne (insects)

21. For infections to occur and spread
Portal of entry, or way to enter the host is essential.
Breaks in skin
Mucous membranes
Respiratory tract
Digestive tract
Circulatory System

22. Body Defenses Mucous Membranes: traps pathogens
Cilia: propel pathogens out of the body
Coughing and Sneezing
Hydrochloric acid: destroys pathogens in the stomach
Tears in the eye: contain bactericidal chemicals
Fever
Inflammation: white blood cells destroy pathogens
Immune response: body produces antibodies

23. How do we prevent infections?
Asepsis!!!(the absence of disease producing microorganisms)
Aseptic techniques
Handwashing
Good personal hygiene
Use of gloves
Proper cleaning of instruments

24. Various levels of Aseptic control
Antiseptics prevent or inhibit growth
Usually used on the skin
Examples: Alcohol & Betadine
Antibacterial soap

25. Various levels of Aseptic control
Disinfection: destroys or kills organisms
Can damage the skin, usually used on surfaces.
Examples: Bleach or other cleaning solutions

26. Various levels of Aseptic control
Sterilization: destroys all microorganisms
Uses steam under pressure, gas, radiation and chemicals to sterilize objects
Example: Autoclave

27. Handwashing!!!!!
You must know how to properly wash your hands if you work in the healthcare field!
Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection!
Handwashing should be done frequently!
Let’s look at some times when you should wash your hands…..

28. Wash your hands… When you arrive at work and before you leave work
Before and after every patient contact
Any time your hands become contaminated
After removing gloves
After handling a specimen
After using the bathroom
After you cough or sneeze
Before & After any contact with your mouth (eating)

29. Steps to proper washing:
Use soap
Soap aids in the removal of germs through its sudsy action and alkali content
Best to use liquid soap

30. Handwashing Step 2 Warm water should be used
Creates a better lather than cold water
Doesn’t damage skin like hot water

31. Handwashing step 3 Friction must be used
This helps to rub off pathogens

32. Handwashing Step 4 All surfaces of the hand should be cleaned
Fingertips must be pointed downward
Dry papertowels must be used to turn the faucet on and off.

33. Step by Step Procedure Stand away from sink
Turn on faucet , regulate temperature
With fingertips pointing down, wet hands.
Use soap, work into lather
Rub palms together, using friction
Rub backs of hands
Interlace fingers and rub back and forth
Scrub your nails against your palms or use orange stick or nail brush
Rinse hands keeping fingertips down
Use clean papertowel to dry hands from tips of fingers to wrist
Use new dry papertowel to turn off faucet.

34. For the Healthcare Worker
Standard Precautions
For the Healthcare Worker

35. For Infection Control Wash Hands Wear Gloves
Wear mask and eye protection if needed
Wear gown if needed
Use caution handling patient care equipment
Disinfect surfaces per facility policy
Use caution handling soiled linens
Never recap needles
Use private room for infectious patient

36. Airborne, Droplet, Contact
Specific Precautions
Airborne, Droplet, Contact

37. Airborne Precautions
Patient has private room with negative air pressure
Wash hands
Wear respiratory protection (mask)
Patient must wear mask if transported outside room
Limit use of equipment or take in disposable equipment
Bag linens into biohazard container

38. Airborne diseases Measles Chicken pox Tuberculosis Shingles
FYI: Pregnant women should not be exposed to patients with shingles or chicken pox!

39. Droplet Precautions Patient has private room
Maintain 3 feet between patient and visitors
Mask for healthcare worker or anyone else who gets closer than 3 feet from patient
Patient wears mask outside of room
Limit use of equipment or use disposable
Bag linens in biohazard
Wash hands frequently

40. Droplet Diseases
Flu
Meningitis and pneumonias caused from certain bacteria
Mumps
Whooping cough

41. Contact Precautions Patient has private room Wash hands
Wear gown and gloves
Limit use of equipment
Bag linens in biohazard

42. Contact Diseases E-coli infections Hepatitis A
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Fevers
Skin infections (herpes, lice)
Staph infections

43. You can help prevent infections
As a Healthcare worker, it is essential that you know how infections start and how to prevent spreading.