Infection Control: An Introduction Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Disease Transmission • Infection requires three elements – Source of microorganisms – A susceptible host – A means of transmission to the host Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Methods of Transmission Contact Direct or indirect through an inanimate object Droplet Airborne Common vehicle Water, food, contaminated equipment Through vectors Mosquitoes, flies, rats, and other such vermin Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Infection Symptomatic Asymptomatic Local infection is limited to a small area of the body Systemic infection is located throughout the body Signs and symptoms of a general infection include fever, chills, pain, an ache or tenderness, general feeling of tiredness, and night sweats Signs and symptoms of a local infection may include redness, heat, swelling, pain, or fluid Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Isolation Precautions Standard Isolation Precautions are applied to ALL patients Transmission-Based Precautions are applied to patients with known or suspected infections Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Table 3-1 Isolation Precautions Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Box 3-2 Requirements of Standard Precautions Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Box 3-3 Bioterrorism Agents Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Handwashing Technique Hands are washed thoroughly at the beginning of the work period – Between each client contact – Before and after eating – Before and after using the restroom – Before leaving the work environment Gloves are worn when contact is made with body fluids, mucous membranes, or wet secretions Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. Principles of Asepsis • Medical asepsis can be evaluated on three levels – Antiseptics, which inhibit the growth of bacteria; they can be used on the skin – Disinfectants are agents that destroy most bacteria and viruses. They can be caustic or harmful to the skin. Disinfection can be accomplished by boiling as well as by using chemical agents. – Sterile, also referred to as surgical asepsis, is a state of sterility or the use of sterile technique Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ominbus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) Regulations • OBRA requires training for nursing assistants. This includes: – Completion of a written examination – Demonstration of ability to perform skills correctly – Continuing education – Periodic evaluation of performance – Retraining if the nursing assistant does not work in the field for 2 years or more at one time Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations To establish standards of safety for the workplace and to enforce the standards To research and provide documentation to OSHA regarding the safe level of exposure to hazards in the workplace Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.