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

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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.

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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.

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Answer

• False

• Nosocomial infection– Infection occurs while patient receiving health care

Asepsis

• 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

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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