Transmission-based isolation precautions

Transmission-based isolation precautions Methods of caring for pts who have a communicable disease. Communicable disease=disease caused by a pathogen that can be easily transmitted to others

Transmission-based isolation Epidemic=occurs when communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time

Transmission-based isolation Pandemic=when the outbreak of disease occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a high proportion of the population.

Transmission-based isolation precautions Standard precautions are used on ALL pts Transmission-based isolation techniques provide extra protection against specific diseases or pathogens to prevent their spread Type of isolation used is based on the causative organism, the way the organisms is transmitted, and whether it is antibiotic resistant

Transmission-based isolation precautions PPE (personal protective equipment) is used to provide protection from pathogens

Transmission-based isolation precautions Objects are either contaminated or clean Contaminated=dirty, pathogens are present These objects must not be touched unless the HCW is protected by PPE The outside and waist ties of the gown, gloves, and mask are considered contaminated

Transmission-based isolation Clean=objects do not contain pathogens and have minimal chance of spreading the disease Inside of: gloves, gown, neckband and its ties, and mask and its ties are considered clean

Transmission-based isolation 4 main types of precautions: Standard Airborne Droplet Contact

Standard precautions Used on ALL pts Treat all blood and body fluids as if they were infectious regardless of the pt’s disease or diagnosis. Use appropriate PPE to protect yourself from blood and body fluids.

Airborne precautions Used for pts known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei Airborne droplet nuclei are small particles of evaporated droplets that contain microorganisms & remain suspended in the air or on dust particles Examples: measles, chicken pox, tuberculosis

Airborne precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Pt placed in a private room with door closed Air in room must be discharged to outdoor air or filtered before being recirculated HCW must wear N95 mask

Airborne precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: People susceptible to measles or chicken pox shouldn’t enter pt room Pt should only be taken out of the room if necessary and must wear a surgical mask during transport

N95 mask surgical mask

Droplet precautions Used for pts known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by large particle droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, talking, or laughing Examples: meningitis, pneumonia, diphtheria, pertussis, mumps, influenza

Droplet precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Pt placed in a private room or in a room with a pt who has the same active infection Surgical Mask must be worn when you are within 3 feet of the patient If transport of the pt is essential, the pt must wear a surgical mask

Contact precautions Used for pts known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms that can be transmitted by either direct and indirect contact and can spread rapidly from person to person Examples: multidrug-resistant organisms that can cause GI, respiratory, skin, or wound infections; hepatitis A; rotavirus; lice

Contact precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Pt placed in a private room or in a room with a pt who has the same active infection Gloves must be worn when entering the room Gloves must be changed after contamination

Contact precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Gloves must be removed before leaving the room and hands washed

Contact precautions In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Gown must be worn if there is a chance of contact with the pt, environmental surfaces, or items in the room. Gowns must be removed before leaving the room.

Contact precautions Pt transport should be for essential purposes only In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Pt transport should be for essential purposes only The room and items in it must receive daily cleaning and disinfection Patient-care equipment should be left in the room and only used for that pt if possible (example: stethoscope)

Protective or reverse isolation Methods used to protect certain pts from organisms present in the environment Used for immunocompromised pts whose body defenses are not capable of protecting them from infections Examples: severely burned pts, chemo pts, transplant pts whose immune systems have been depressed prior to receiving transplants

Protective or reverse isolation In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: Pt placed in a room that has been cleaned and disinfected & continues to receives frequent disinfection while the pt occupies it Anyone entering the room must wear gown, gloves, and mask

Protective or reverse isolation In addition to standard precautions, the following precautions must be followed: All equipment brought into room must be clean, disinfected, or sterile Special filters may be used to purify the room air