infection control Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is the definition of infection?
The invasion of the body by a pathogenic agent causing disease.
What are the five types of microorganisms that can cause infection?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and prions.
How are bacteria categorized based on shape, staining, and oxygen needs?
Shape (cocci, bacilli, spirochetes), staining (Gram-positive, Gram-negative), oxygen (aerobic, anaerobic).
Why are viruses difficult to treat with antibiotics?
Viruses do not have cell walls and rely on host cells to replicate, making antibiotics ineffective.
What are some examples of opportunistic pathogens?
E. coli (UTI), Candida albicans (yeast infection), Pneumocystis jirovecii (pneumonia in immunocompromised patients).
What are the six links in the chain of infection?
Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.
How can the chain of infection be broken at each step?
Hand hygiene, sterilization, PPE, isolation precautions, proper disposal of waste, immunization.
What is the difference between direct and indirect contact transmission?
Direct: Physical contact (touching, kissing). Indirect: Contaminated surfaces (fomites).
What is the role of vectors in disease transmission?
Vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas carry and transmit infectious agents (e.g., malaria, Lyme disease).
Why are immunocompromised individuals more susceptible to infections?
They have weakened immune defenses, making it harder to fight infections.
What are the primary lines of defense against infection?
Intact skin, mucous membranes, cilia, gastric acid, and inflammatory response.
What is the difference between innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific) immunity?
Innate: General defenses (skin, inflammation). Adaptive: Targeted response (antibodies, T-cells).
What are the main functions of the inflammatory response?
Vasodilation (increased blood flow), phagocytosis, and tissue repair.
How do B-cells and T-cells contribute to immunity?
B-cells produce antibodies; T-cells attack infected cells directly.
What are the different types of antibodies and their functions?
IgG (long-term immunity), IgA (mucosal defense), IgM (first response), IgE (allergic reactions), IgD (B-cell activation).
What is the purpose of standard precautions?
To prevent the spread of infections from all patients, regardless of diagnosis.
What PPE is required for contact precautions?
Gloves, gown (used for MRSA, C. difficile).
When should droplet precautions be used?
For infections spread by large droplets (e.g., influenza, meningitis, pertussis).
Why is an N95 respirator required for airborne precautions?
To protect against small, suspended particles carrying infections like TB, measles, and COVID-19.
What is a protective environment, and who requires it?
A private, positive airflow room for immunocompromised patients (e.g., chemotherapy, transplant recipients).
What are HAIs, and why are they significant?
Healthcare-associated infections; they increase hospital stays, costs, and mortality rates.
What are the differences between nosocomial and iatrogenic infections?
Nosocomial: Acquired in a healthcare setting. Iatrogenic: Caused by a medical procedure.
How can nurses prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
Proper catheter care, hand hygiene, early removal.
Why is hand hygiene considered the most effective infection prevention measure?
It removes pathogens before they spread.
