Infection and sepsis Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the general phases of an acute infection?
Incubation – Pathogen is present, no symptoms
Prodromal – Early, vague symptoms (e.g. fatigue, malaise)
Acute/Illness – Full-blown symptoms, immune response peaks
Decline – Pathogen load decreases, symptoms lessen
Convalescence – Recovery and tissue repair
What are common signs and symptoms of infection?
Fever
Fatigue
Redness/swelling (if local)
Pain
Tachycardia
Elevated WBC count
What are the benefits of fever during infection?
Inhibits growth of some pathogens
Enhances immune function (e.g. speeds up phagocytosis)
Promotes interferon activity (antiviral proteins)
What are the primary methods of disease transmission?
Droplet – via large respiratory droplets (e.g. strep throat, influenza)
Airborne – small particles suspended in air (e.g. varicella)
Direct contact – touching skin or secretions (e.g. impetigo)
Indirect contact – touching contaminated surfaces
Opportunistic/internal – overgrowth of normal flora (e.g. Candida)
What are complex precautions?
A combination of two or more types of precautions when a disease spreads by multiple routes (e.g. varicella = airborne + contact).
What precautions are needed for a patient with influenza?
Droplet
Contact (if secretions present)
Hand hygiene, mask, gloves, and possibly gown
What precautions are needed for Group A Streptococcus?
Droplet and contact (if skin sores like impetigo)
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
What causes the harmful effects in sepsis?
Excessive inflammation → vasodilation, capillary permeability, low BP
Decreased perfusion to organs
Microthrombi formation blocks vessels
White blood cells can reduce cardiac function
What are the Sepsis Six interventions?
Blood cultures – identify the pathogen
Lactate levels – measure hypoperfusion
Antibiotics – treat infection
IV fluids – restore blood pressure
Oxygen – improve oxygen delivery
Monitor input/output – assess perfusion & kidney function
What type of organism is Group A Streptococcus?
How is it transmitted?
Bacteria
Droplet (e.g. strep throat)
Direct contact (e.g. impetigo)
What is the pathophysiology of strep throat?
How is it treated and prevented?
1:
Invades throat tissue → inflammation
Symptoms: sore throat, red/swollen tonsils, fever
Rash + strep throat = scarlet fever
If untreated → rheumatic fever (autoimmune reaction)
2:
Antibiotics
Hand hygiene, avoid sharing items, respiratory hygiene
What type of organism causes influenza?
How is it transmitted?
1: Virus (Type A, B, C)
2:
Droplet
Direct contact with secretions
Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces
What is the pathophysiology of influenza?
Treatment and prevention?
1:
Infects upper respiratory tract → inflammation
Causes systemic (fever, fatigue) and local (cough, sore throat) symptoms
Type A frequently mutates → seasonal flu
2:
Vaccination
Hand and pulmonary hygiene
Supportive care
What type of organism causes athlete’s foot and jock itch?
How are these transmitted?
Fungi (Tinea species)
Direct contact with infected skin or surfaces (e.g. locker room floors)
Pathophysiology of skin fungal infections?
Treatment and prevention?
1:
Grow in warm, moist, dark areas
Cause redness, itching, flaking
2:
Topical antifungals (e.g. miconazole)
Keep skin dry, clean, avoid barefoot walking in public showers
What is Candida albicans?
A fungus normally present in GI, respiratory tract, vagina
Causes opportunistic infections (e.g. thrush) when immune function is low
What are symptoms of oral thrush?
White patches in mouth/throat
Redness, pain with swallowing, cottony feeling
Loss of taste
Treatment for thrush?
Nystatin (swish & swallow or spit)
Maintain oral hygiene
