Infection Control Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is the primary goal of infection control in nursing?
Protect patients from infections and meet professional standards and guidelines.
What are the six links in the chain of infection?
- Infectious agent 2. Reservoir 3. Portal of exit 4. Mode of transmission 5. Portal of entry 6. Susceptible host.
What are the stages of a typical infectious process?
- Incubation 2. Prodrome 3. Illness 4. Decline 5. Convalescence.
Name three factors that increase the risk of infection.
- Age (very young or very old) 2. Immunosuppression 3. Chronic disease.
What are standard precautions in infection control?
Assume every patient is potentially colonized or infected and apply hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
What are transmission-based precautions?
Precautions for patients with known or suspected infections requiring specific measures based on transmission mode.
Fill in the blank: _______ is the absence of pathogens.
Asepsis
What is the purpose of infection control bundles?
To prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) through bundled guidelines for practice.
What is a CLABSI bundle?
A set of practices to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, including hand hygiene and maximum barrier precautions.
What actions are recommended to prevent CAUTI?
- Prevent unnecessary catheterization 2. Early removal 3. Maintain an aseptic system.
What is the incubation stage in the infectious process?
The period between pathogen invasion and the first appearance of symptoms.
What is the prodromal stage characterized by?
The first appearance of vague symptoms.
What is the significance of active immunity?
It occurs when the body produces its own antibodies to protect against pathogens.
What is passive immunity?
Immunity gained through the transfer of antibodies from another source, such as immunizations or mother’s milk.
What are the two types of asepsis?
- Medical Asepsis 2. Surgical Asepsis.
Which precautions are taken for airborne transmission?
Use of N95 respirators and placing patients in negative-pressure rooms.
True or False: Surgical asepsis involves sterilization of instruments and maintaining a sterile field.
True
What is the role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in infection control?
To protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents.
What is the importance of hand hygiene in infection control?
It is the most effective way to stop the spread of germs.
What are the nursing considerations for clients in isolation rooms?
- Maintain human contact 2. Use touch when safe 3. Explain precautions to the patient.
What is the purpose of antimicrobial therapy?
To kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
What are the key components of a sterile field setup?
- Use sterile gloves 2. Sterile supplies 3. Maintain cleanliness.
What factors can increase susceptibility to infections?
- Poor nutrition 2. Lack of physical activity 3. Stress and grief.
Fill in the blank: The process through which immune cells learn to recognize pathogens is called _______.
Specific immunity