Definitions Infection control Infectious disease Pathogens

Signs and Symptoms of Infections Generalized or systemic –Affecting whole body Localized –Affecting one area of body

Question Which of the following may be signs or symptoms of a localized infection? A.Fever, headache, and increased pulse rate B.Vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue C.Red, swollen, draining wound Once you have decided on your answer Click the Forward button to advance.

Answer C. Red, swollen, draining wound Localized –Affecting one area of body –Signs and symptoms: Red, swollen, and warm to touch area Drainage Pain

Microbes Bacteria Viruses Fungi Rickettsia Protozoa

Video Once the video completes playing, click the Forward button to advance.

Question True or False: –Protozoa are the smallest of the microbes. Once you have decided on your answer Click the Forward button to advance.

Answer False Viruses –Smallest microbes

Chain of Infection

Defense Mechanisms Cilia Cough and sneeze Tears Hydrochloric acid Mucous membranes Rise in body temperature Increase in leukocytes

Scope of the Problem Nosocomial infection Industrial illness Needlestick injuries Handwashing –Most important procedure for preventing health care-acquired infections

Infection Control Regulatory agencies –CDC –OSHA

Question True or False: –A patient is admitted to the hospital for an infected leg. This would be called a nosocomial infection. Once you have decided on your answer Click the Forward button to advance.

Answer False Nosocomial infection –Infection occurs while patient receiving health care

Asepsis –Also known as aseptic technique Medical asepsis –Clean technique Surgical asepsis –Sterile technique

How to Break Chain Decrease source of microorganisms –Wash hands –Decontaminate surfaces and equipment –Avoid contact when contagious Prevent transmission of microorganisms –Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) –Follow isolation precautions (continued)

How to Break Chain Maximize resistance –Provide good hygiene –Ensure proper nutrition and fluid intake –Decrease stressors that weaken immune response

Standard Precautions Follow at all times Potential fluid sources of microbes: –Blood –Body fluids, secretions, and excretions Except sweat –Nonintact skin (continued)

Standard Precautions Potential fluid sources of microbes: –Mucous membranes –Any identified body fluids Handwashing PPE Patient-care equipment (continued)

Isolation Transmission-based precautions –Airborne –Droplet –Contact Neutropenic Consequences to patient, staff, and visitors Impact on facility

Question Which of the following activities is the most critical in preventing the spread of infections? A.Wearing gloves B.Wiping down surfaces C.Handwashing Once you have decided on your answer Click the Forward button to advance.

Answer C. Handwashing Number one prevention tool: –Good handwashing

Methods to Inhibit or Destroy Microbes Bacteriostatic Bactericidal or germicidal Antiseptics Disinfectants Sterilization

Risks Blood-borne pathogens –Hepatitis B –HIV –Tuberculosis (TB) –Drug-resistant infections

Drug-Resistant Organisms Developed from overuse of antibiotics Developed from patients who do not complete antibiotic treatment (continued)

Drug-Resistant Organisms Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) –Healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) –Community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE)

Reporting Exposure Must immediately report any exposure to blood or body fluids Write incident or injury report Refer to Exposure Control Plan