hygiene Flashcards
(44 cards)
what is hygiene defined as
Hygiene can be defined as actions and practices that decrease the spread or transmission of pathogens, thereby lessening the occurrence of illness.
hygiene includes things like
washing hands, face, and body with soap and water
dental care
nail care
integumentary system
- Physical barriers serve as the first line of defense in preventing pathogens from entering the body.
- The integumentary system, consisting of:
* Skin, hair, nails, sebaceous glands,
and, sweat glands - Its function is to block pathogens from entering the immune system from the outside environment.
the skin
Largest organ in the body, covering most of the outer surfaces of the body
* First line of defense against pathogens
* Serves as a physical barrier to offer protection to the internal parts of the body
* Contains Langerhans cells, whose role is to sense and kill pathogens that are found on the skin trying to enter the body
the skin layers
the skin is made up of two layers, the superficial epidermis and the dermis
the epidermis
- The epidermis is the outer layer of
the skin that lays upon the dermis
protecting it.
the dermis
- The dermis underlines the epidermis and is made up of connective tissue together with
nervous tissue, blood, and blood vessels. The dermis layer provides the skin with its strength and elasticity.
the hypodermis
The hypodermis, also known as the subcutaneous layer, is beneath the dermis and separates the dermis from the underlying organs.
the hypodermis
- The hypodermis, which contains adipose tissue, acts as a cushion from any physical trauma and insulates as it serves as fat
storage.
where are mucous membranes found
mouth
respiratory tract
GI tract
urinary tract
other areas exposed to outside environment
what are mucous membranes
- Acts as a barrier to outside pathogens.
- They secrete mucus to entrap pathogens and small particles.
- The nares have cilia which are shaped like little hairs
- Cilia trap particles inhaled while breathing, pushing them to the front of the nose or
back of the throat, causing the person to cough or sneeze and preventing them from
entering the body.
primary roles for teeth
- Chewing food to make it easier to swallow
- Provide support and structure to the face
- Assist in producing sounds during speech
what is the teeths first line of defense
enamel
* Protects against plaque and pathogens
* The hardest material in the human body
what is below the enamel
dentin
Protects the pulp inside the teeth
pulp of teeth
Composed of blood vessels, nerves, and
connective tissue
* Supplies nutrients to the teeth
oral hygiene
- Keeping the mouth and teeth clean by
brushing and flossing the teeth and using
fluoride mouthwash to promote oral health. - Should be done at least twice daily
- Nurses should assist clients with oral
hygiene as needed - Clients on ventilators should be provided
oral hygiene frequently to reduce the risk of
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) - Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to:
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Oral care should include dentures and other
dental appliances clients use
nails
nails contain layers of keratin that protect the distal ends of the fingers and toes from injury
cuticles
- Surround proximal and lateral edges of nails
- A form of epidermis
- Connects the skin of the finger to the nail plate, forming a barrier to prevent infection of underlying tissue
pterygium
a membrane located behind the cuticle
- provides additional protection to skin form pathogens
nail care
Keep nails and cuticles clean and dry
* Use gloves during prolonged contact with water or using harsh chemicals
* Trim nails straight across using sharp manicure scissors or clippers
* Longer nail length has been shown to conceal a greater number of germs compared to shorter nail length.
* Rub lotion into nails and cuticles when using hand cream
* Discourage biting or picking at nails or cuticles, which can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause
infection
health care associated infection
Health Care-associated infections (HAI’s)
are Infections acquired in a healthcare
facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or
ambulatory care facility
some was to help avoid health care-associated infections
- Effective handwashing is necessary to
prevent healthcare-associated infections. - Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a solution
that can often be used in place of soap and water. - Hand sanitizer must contain at least 60%
alcohol to effectively kill most infectious pathogens. - Should NOT be used when:
- Hands are visibly soiled
- After providing care to a client with infectious
diarrhea - After being exposed to bacteria produced by
spores (Clostridium difficile)
what is health promotion
the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve all aspects of their general health
health promotion focuses on
Creating awareness of health problems
* Producing positive changes in behavior related to prevention and beliefs about illness
* Encouraging increased utilization of health services