Infection Control Fundamentals Unit 2

Infection Control Microorganisms need… Food Moisture Oxygen? Temperature Light pH

Infection Control What are the natural body defenses? Skin Mucous membranes Hair Reflex mechanisms Body cell replacement Rapid movement of small intestine Body secretion Phagocytosis

Infection Control What can alter body defenses? Nutritional status Age Poor personal hygiene Stress Illness Medical treatment

Infection Control Links in the chain of Infection The Bug! Reservoir Portal of exit Mode of transmission Contact- direct, droplet, indirect Air Vehicle Vectors Portal of entrance Susceptible host

Infection Control Nosocomial Infection Medical vs. Surgical Asepsis Acquired in the healthcare facility during the patient’s stay C. difficile Medical vs. Surgical Asepsis Medical – measures to limit the growth and spread of microorganisms Surgical – the practice of sterile technique, free of all organisms and spores

Infection Control Basic Principles Clean can touch clean Sterile can touch sterile Contaminated can touch contaminated Another term sometimes used for contaminated is “dirty”

Infection Control Personal hygiene for the nurse includes… Clean uniforms daily with uniforms reserved for work only Keep hair clean and secured Bathe frequently Keep fingernails short and clean, no polish Avoid jewelry in the clinical area HANDWASHING!

Infection Control Personal hygiene for the patient includes… Offer opportunities for handwashing Keep personal care items clean and stored Provide tissues Clean/change any soiled areas of body or linens promptly Encourage footwear Do not allow linens to touch floor

Infection Control What are the measures to maintain concurrent disinfection? Linen Equipment Cleaning techniques Disposals

Don’t forget Standard Precautions! Infection Control Terminal disinfection is… What are some barrier techniques for Infection control? Gowns Caps Masks Goggles Gloves Closed doors Don’t forget Standard Precautions!

Infection Control Rules to follow Use standard precautions for all patients, which means handwashing and use of PPE Special precautions during pre-hospital or emergency care Gloves should be worn… Gloves should be changed… Masks/protective eyewear should be used… Gowns should be worn… Sharps should be disposed of immediately

Infection Control More rules to follow Wash hands before and immediately after any patient contact All exposure accidents should be reported immediately Be sure to properly handle and label all patient specimens Promptly clean any blood or body fluid spills Handwashing…handwashing…handwashing Effective handwashing means…

Infection Control Isolation The basic principles of aseptic practice… Clean to clean Sterile to sterile Contaminated to contaminated What are the purposes for isolation? To prevent spread of disease To provide preventive measures To use proper protective measures

Infection Control OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates all patients be cared for under Standard Precautions The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is the U.S. agency which oversees the prevention, identification, and control of disease and infection

Infection Control To prepare an isolation unit, the following are required… A Dr.’s order An isolation cart for supplies An area with a sink Correst signage on the exterior door Linen cart, disposable stethoscope, thermometer, etc. Special considerations

Infection Control There are several tiers of precautions. Let’s discuss the emotional needs of the isolated patient.

Infection Control Isolation Procedures in the isolation unit… Remember what you will need… Vital Signs Personal care Collecting a specimen Signing a document Transporting the patient outside the room Removing items from the room When you leave…

Infection Control Remember the isolation gear that is used… Gown and Cap Mask or faceshield Goggles and Gloves Gown technique Mask technique Gloving technique Let’s put it all together. What is meant by double bagging?