Chain of infection/ Infection control concepts Flashcards
(33 cards)
Chain of infection
A sequence of circumstances where all events must occur to develop an infection
Infectious agent(pathogen)
Disease causing microorganism
Bacteria (infectious agent)
Single cell organisms that multiply rapidly
Viruses (infectious agent)
DNA or RNA is encased in a protein coating. Viruses cannot reproduce outside of a living host cell
Protozoa (infectious agent)
Unicellular microorganisms that can infect the blood, brain, intestines and other body areas
Fungi (infectious agent)
Tiny primitive organisms, that contain no chlorophyll
Helminths (infectious agent)
Parasitic works or flukes (or tape worm)
Reservoir
A place where the pathogen grows (e.g. patient, staff member, animal, food) and may or may not multiply
Portal of exit
An exit route for pathogens to leave its host (e.g. blood skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract)
Mode of transmission
The manner in which an infectious agent moves from one source to another (e.g. touch, airborne droplets, medical instruments, mosquitos, vermin)
Two types of HAI contact
Direct, Indirect
Direct contact
Person to person or physical contact between source and susceptible host (e.g. fecal, oral)
Indirect contact
Involves contact with contaminated inanimate objects (e.g. needles, utensils, hospital equipment)
Vector transmission
Occurs when through a bite (e.g. fleas, ticks, mosquitoes)
Droplet infection
Occurs when the droplets from an infected person are projected a short distance to the hosts nasal mucosa, mouth or conjunctiva
Airborne transmission
Occurs when infectious particles dispersed in the air enter the host by inhalation (e.g., coughing, sneezing)
Portal of entry
Place where a pathogen enters the body (e.g. break in skin, mucous membrane, mouth, nose, genitourinary tract)
The most effective barrier to infection is
Intact skin
Any portal of exit can also become
A portal of entry
Susceptible host
A person who becomes ill after pathogens enter the body because the cannot fight off the pathogen
A person may be a susceptible host by virtue of
Age, weak state of health, broken skin
People who get procedures such as ___, ___, or ____ are also susceptible to infection.
Venipuncture, surgery, or IV
_____is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of disease causing microorganisms.
Hand washing
Corpsmen should perform hand hygiene before or after any _____ and when _____.
Patient interaction and when visibly soiled