1. CHAPTER 3 SAFETY PRACTICES
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2. Chapter #3 Safety Practices Objectives:
Define terms relating to safety practices in health care.
Describe methods of Standard and Transmission-Based Isolation Precautions that prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Describe the S/S of general and localized infection
Identify functions of OBRA and OSHA.
Describe the guidelines for good body mechanics.
Describe the levels of asepsis and the principles behind each level.
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Disease Transmission
• Infection requires three elements
– Source of microorganisms
– A susceptible host
– A means of transmission to the host
Source of microorganisms – pt., other humans or inanimate objects
Susceptible host – lacking sufficient resistance or be susceptible to the infecting agent
Means of transmission to the host
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4. 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
Contaminated – soiled, made unclear, or infected with pathogens
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SAFETY PRACTICES
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Infection
Symptomatic (with symptoms)
Asymptomatic (without symptoms)
Local infection is limited to a small area of the body
Systemic infection is located throughout the body
Signs and symptoms of a systemic 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
Asymptomatic – with or without expression of health
S/S of local infection may include…….fluid (exudate) that is white, yellowish, or greenish
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7. Isolation Precautions
Standard Isolation Precautions are applied to ALL patients
Transmission-Based Precautions are applied to patients with known or suspected infections
In 1996 the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established a two-level set of guidelines for isolation precautions designed for acute care hospitals.
Standard Isolation Precautions
Transmission-Based Precautions
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8. Table 3-1 Isolation Precautions
Diptheria – respiratory – acute contagious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Characterized by the production of a systemic toxin and an adherent false membrane lining of the mucous membrane of the throat. The toxin is particularly damaging to the tissues of the heart and CNS, and the dense pseudomembrane in the throat may interfere with eating, drinking, and breathing.
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9. Box 3-2 Requirements of Standard Precautions
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10. Box 3-3 Bioterrorism Agents
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11. Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases
In 2005 Centers for Disease Control Prevention listed eight diseases that have been connected to antibiotic resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Most relevant pathogen in the United States
Main mode of transmission is via hands
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12. Box 3-4 Diseases Connected to Antibiotic Resistance
Of the infections acquired in the hospital, the CDC reports that 70% are resistant to at least one of the drugs commonly used to threat them.
2 Factors that are associated with development of antibiotic resistance are:
Overuse of antibiotic treatment
Incomplete cycles of prescribed antibiotics
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13. 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
Break the Chain Video:
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14. Handwashing Technique
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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
3. Sterile – Sterilization is the removal of all microorganisms including viruses and endospores. Sterile technique also includes special methods of handling sterile equipment, maintaining sterile fields, changing dressings, and disposing of contaminated materials
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16. 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
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Safe Movement
• Body mechanics
– Refers to the way the body is moved to prevent injury to oneself and to others
– Accomplished by using knowledge of proper body alignment, balance, and movement
– Posture is the position of body parts in relation to each other
– Balance is the ability to maintain a steady position that does not tip
Ergonomics
- Design of your work station: desk & chair height.
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Assistive Devices
Allow mobility while preventing injury
Gait belt
Worn by the patient when transferring or ambulating
Strong cloth belt
Provides a firm grasping area
Protects patient from trauma to the skin
Health care worker may also wear a belt to prevent back injury
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Symbols of Access
Person with a disability international symbol
Wheelchair ramps
Doors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair
Elevators have Braille indicators
Telephones and drinking fountains are placed at a lower height
Physical devices to provide access by disabled individuals
Walker
Cane
Wheelchair
Crutches
Hydraulic mechanical lifts
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20. 3 Components Necessary for Fire
Oxygen
Fuel
3. Heat
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21. Identifying and Reporting Hazards
A fire may be controlled or extinguished
Oxygen and electrical equipment may be turned off
Four classes of chemical fire extinguishers
Class A: for use on paper, wood, trash, cloth, upholstery, rubber, and similar materials
Class B: for use on fuel oil, gas, paint, solvents, and other flammable liquids
Class C: for use on electrical equipment, fuse boxes, wiring and appliances
Class D: for use on metals
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22. What do you do when you discover a fire? R.A.C.E.
R = Rescue
Move patients from the point of origin of the fire
Horizontal – Moving patients through one set of fire doors on the same floor
Vertical – Moving patients down stairs to lower level
A = Alarm
Use emergency call box or pull station
C = Confine or contain fire to one area if possible
E = Extinguish
Use fire extinguisher
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Hazardous Waste
• Waste is divided into two categories
– Biomedical
• Hazardous and infectious waste is placed in sealed bags before removing it from the area of use; the bag is labeled and sealed to alert workers
– General
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24. Equipment Maintenance
Report any equipment that is not working correctly or defective
If defect is hazardous, equipment should not be used for patient care until it is replaced or repaired
Equipment should be returned to designated storage area
Emergency equipment should be restocked immediately after use
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25. Emergency Disaster Procedure
Personnel from all areas of health care are asked to assist the community during a natural disaster, severe weather, or bioterrorism
Department of Homeland Security has established the National Response Plan to be implemented, if necessary
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26. Box 3-6 Types of Natural Disasters and Weather Events
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