Condensed Lectures Flashcards
(242 cards)
What are the 6 competencies of the QSEN Model?
- Client-Centered Care
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Quality Improvement
- Safety
- Informatics
These competencies are essential for nursing education and practice.
Define Infection.
Entry and multiplication of organisms.
Infection indicates that pathogens are present and actively reproducing.
What is Colonization?
Presence of organisms without infection.
In colonization, organisms exist without causing disease.
What are Nosocomial Infections?
Hospital-acquired infections.
These infections are contracted during hospital stays.
List the components of the Chain of Infection.
- Infectious/Biological Agent
- Reservoir
- Portal of Exit
- Mode of Transmission
- Portal of Entry
- Susceptible Host
Understanding this chain helps in infection control.
What are the types of Infectious Agents?
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungi
- Parasites
These agents are responsible for causing infections.
Define Resident Flora.
Natural to body.
Resident flora are microorganisms that normally inhabit the body.
Define Transient Flora.
Acquired temporarily.
Transient flora can be picked up from the environment or other individuals.
What are Drug-Resistant organisms mentioned?
- MRSA
- VRE
These organisms are resistant to many antibiotics, posing significant treatment challenges.
What are common Symptoms of Infection?
- Sneezing
- Chills
- Aches
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Fever
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection.
What are common Reservoirs for infectious organisms?
- Human
- Shellfish
- Animals
- Inanimate objects
- Food
- Water
Reservoirs provide the necessary environment for organisms to thrive.
What is Medical Asepsis?
Clean technique (disinfection removes most pathogens).
Medical asepsis aims to reduce the number of pathogens.
What is Surgical Asepsis?
Sterile technique (destroys ALL microbes).
Surgical asepsis is crucial during invasive procedures.
What are the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene?
- Before touching patient
- Before aseptic procedure
- After bodily fluid exposure
- After touching patient
- After touching patient surroundings
These moments are critical to prevent infection.
What are the Modes of Transmission?
- Contact: Direct or indirect
- Droplet: Respiratory droplets
- Airborne: Tiny particles suspended in air
- Vehicle: Contaminated objects
- Vector: Insects, animals
Understanding modes helps in implementing appropriate precautions.
What are Isolation Precautions for Airborne diseases?
N95 mask, negative pressure room.
Airborne precautions are necessary for diseases like TB.
What is the Portal of Entry?
Same as portal of exit: skin, mucous membranes, respiratory, GI, urinary, reproductive tracts, blood.
Pathogens enter the body through these portals.
What factors can make a person a Susceptible Host?
- Immunosuppression
- Surgery
- Burns
- Diabetes
- Heart/lung diseases
These factors increase the risk of infection.
What is the Incubation stage of infection?
No symptoms yet.
This is the period after exposure before symptoms appear.
What is the Prodromal stage of infection?
Early, vague symptoms.
Symptoms are often nonspecific during this stage.
What is the Illness stage of infection?
Full symptoms.
This stage signifies the peak of the infection.
What is Convalescence?
Recovery.
This stage involves healing and return to health.
What are Signs of Infection?
- Local: Redness, swelling, drainage, pain
- Systemic: Fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, confusion
Recognizing these signs is essential for early intervention.
What is the normal WBC count?
5,000–10,000/mm³.
An elevated WBC count may indicate infection.