1. Chapter 10 Bethann Davis MSN,NP Quincy College PNU145 Fall2015
Asepsis
Chapter 10
Bethann Davis MSN,NP
Quincy College PNU145 Fall2015

2. Asepsis Learning objectives: define microorganisms and pathogens
At the end of the chapter, the student will be able to:
define microorganisms and pathogens
list the six components in the chain
of infection
name factors to break the chain of infection

3. Asepsis define nosocomial infections differentiate between medical and
surgical asepsis
list common medical aseptic practices

4. Microorganisms Living plants, animals visible only with a microscope
Commonly called germs

5. Microorganisms Divided in to 2 groups Pathogens
Nonpathogens (normal flora)

6. Microorganisms
Many of these will reside within the body without causing diseases
Some will cause an infection or infectious diseases

7. Types of Pathogens
Pathogens-are micro-organisms or microbes that cause infection
Bacteria (Staphylococcus, E-coli, strep)
Viruses ( HIV, hepatitis, herpes zoster/simplex, ebola)
Fungi Molds and yeasts (Candida albicans, Alpergillus)
Prions Protein particles

8. Pathogens
Parasites Protozoa (malaria, toxoplasmosis) and helminths ( worms)
Virulence is the ability of a pathogen to invade and injure a host

9. Microorganisms Chain of infection: 1. Infectious agent
2. Reservoir for growth
3. Exit route from reservoir
4. Means of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host

10. Microorganisms
Chain of infection

11. Microorganisms Chain of infection 1. infectious agent
Bacteria, virus, fungus, prior, parasite
2. reservoir for growth
Human, animal, water, soil, insect

12. Chain of infection 3. Exit route from reservoir
4. Means of transmission

13. Microorganisms Chain of infection (cont) 5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host

14. Infection Process Chain of infection
Causative agent (bacteria, fungus, parasite)
Reservoir (human, water, soil, insect)
Portal of exit from (means of leaving) the host
-Respiratory tract (droplet,airborne)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and strep pn
-Gastrointestinal tract
Ecoli, hepatitis A, herpes virus

15. Chain of infection Skin/MM -herpes and varicella Blood/body fluids
-HIV,hep B and C

16. Mode of transmission Contact -direct, indirect, fecal oral Droplet
-sneezing, coughing, talking
Airborne
-sneezing, coughing
Vector borne
-Animals or insects (ticks, mosquitoes)

17. Portal of entry to the host
May be same as portal or exit
Susceptible host
-Compromised defense mechanism (immunocompromised, breaks in skin) leave host more susceptible

18. Immune Defenses Nonspecific innate immunity -temportary immunity
-intact skin
-MM, secretions, phagocytic cells, protective protein
-inflammatory response

19. Immune Defenses Specific adaptive immunity -Requires time to react
-Provides permanent immunity
-Involves B- and T lymphocytes
-Produces specific antibodies

20. Infection Control (IC)
An infection occurs when the presence of a pathogen leads to a chain of events. All compartments must be present and intact for the infection to occur.
Nurses use IC practices (medical/surgical asepsis, standard precautions) to break the chain and stop the spread of infection.

21. Microorganisms Nosocomial infections:
an infection acquired while client was
in healthcare facility
ex. pneumonia, urinary

22. Asepsis Asepsis: practices that decrease or
eliminate infectious agents,
their reservoirs, and vehicles
for transmission
Health care professionals use both medical and surgical asepsis to prevent spread of infections.

23. Asepsis Medical asepsis: reduces number of organisms
measures that interfere with the
chain of infection.

24. Infection Process Chain of infection
Causative agent (bacteria, fungus, parasite)
Reservoir (human, water, soil, insect)
Portal of exit from (means of leaving) the host
-Respiratory tract (droplet,airborne)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and strep pn
-Gastrointestinal tract
Ecoli, hepatitis A, herpes virus

25. Stages of an infection Incubation Prodromal stage Illness stage
Convalescence

26. Asepsis Surgical asepsis: measures that make supplies and
equipment totally free of organisms
practices to avoid contaminating
sterile items

27. Asepsis Surgical asepsis practices: sterilization using sterile gloves
creating sterile fields
following rules of sterile fields/objects

28. Asepsis
Surgical asepsis practices:

29. General considerations
Older clients more susceptible to infections.
Maintain intact skin, proper aseptic techniques, personal hygiene, and thorough hand washing.
Sick health care workers should take sick leave rather than expose susceptible clients to infectious organisms.