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Infectious diseases Flashcards

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1
Q

What are infectious diseases?

A

Diseases caused by the growth of pathogenic microbes in the body (bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasite invasion).

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2
Q

Are infectious diseases always communicable?

A

No, they may or may not be communicable (i.e. contagious).

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3
Q

What is an inflammatory infectious disease?

A

Is an illness caused by a pathogen that triggers the body’s immune system to produce inflammation — a defensive response that often leads to symptoms like redness, swelling, heat, pain, or systemic signs like fever. e.g. TB, bacterial meningitis, Hepatitis B and C

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4
Q

Chain of infection photo

A
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5
Q

What are transmission-based precautions?

A

Are additional infection control practices used with standard precautions to prevent the spread of highly contagious pathogens.

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6
Q

Why are transmission-based precautions applied?

A

To prevent infections that spread via contact, droplet, or airborne routes.

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7
Q

When are transmission-based precautions used?

A

When patients are suspected or known to be infected with highly transmissible pathogens.

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8
Q

How are transmission-based precautions implemented?

A

Includes isolation, use of PPE (gowns, gloves, masks, face shields), and environmental hygiene practices.

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9
Q

What nursing interventions can be applied to patients with severe infections?

A

Monitor vital signs and infection symptoms, support breathing and circulation (e.g. oxygen therapy), administer fluids (Fever, diarrhea, urine output and vomiting increase daily fluid requirement, antibiotics, and pain relief as prescribed, ensure nutrition, monitor blood sugar in diabetics, maintain infection control: prevent infection from spreading by following hand hygiene, PPE, isolation protocols, and monitor and assess pain at regular intervals. Pain constricts vessels and weakens peripheral circulation.

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10
Q

What are important tests commonly done for patients suffering from infections?

A

Lab test results related to infection (Elevated CRP & Leukocytosis).

Normal CRP less that 4 mg/l

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - ESR

Medical imaging findings related to infection. (Chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI Magnetic resonance imaging).

Infection with unknown origin: immunoglobulins, complement, differential blood count, autoimmune antibodies, cortisol and thyroid hormone levels, microbial antibodies.

Culture tests.

Important Tests: CRP, Leukocytes, ESR, blood cultures, urine, sputum, wound and CSF samples.

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11
Q

What are the most common infectious diseases in adults?

A

Urinary tract infection (UTI), soft tissue infections (erysipelas, cellulitis), bacteremias (bacteria in the bloodstream - ( type
of bacteremia pneumococcemia, urosepsis), pneumonia.

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12
Q

What are HAIs?

A

Refers to an infection that occurs in a hospital or other place of care, or is associated with a procedure performed in them.

HAIs occur in hospital settings, often from:

Urinary catheters, UTIs, Surgical wounds / surgical site infections, Ventilators, Pneumonia, Intravascular devices.

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13
Q

How can HAIs be prevented?

A

Good Hand hygiene, PPE, sterilization, surveillance,

screening (Early detection of things like MRSA)

Following guidelines for example WHO guidelines on infection reduction.

Environmental hygiene (Contaminated hospital surfaces play an important role in the transmission of micro-organisms, including Clostridium difficile, MRSA and VRE. Therefore, appropriate hygiene of surfaces and equipment which patients and healthcare personnel touch is necessary to reduce exposure.)

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14
Q

What are standard precautions?

A

Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of diseases that can be spread by contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes. These precautions are applied to all patients, regardless of their infection status.
, Safe patient placement and transport.

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15
Q

Explain the standard precautions?

A

Frequent hand washing.

Use of PPE (gloves, masks, gowns, protective
eye wear, Head protection/hair net, footwear to protect from fluid splatter)

Safe handling of sharps.

Disinfection and environmental hygiene – Proper contaminated material and waste management.

Handling patient equipment, Safe patient placement and transport.

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16
Q

What are the clinical symptoms and findings in patients with infectious diseases?

A

Classic signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, pain, heat, weakened function.

Fever, Changes in vital signs, Fatigue, Confusion, Diarrhea, Rash on skin
Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhoea, abdominal pain), Cloudy urine, Changes in skin, mucous membranes, or nails, Foul odor from urine or wound, Pus from a wound, Petechiae on skin, Swollen lymph nodes, Weight loss, Anemia.

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17
Q

What is sepsis?

A

Life-threatening organ dysfunction from a dysregulated response to infection. Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In other words, it’s the body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection.

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18
Q

What is septic shock?

A

Subset of sepsis with profound circulatory and metabolic abnormalities.

Shock: physiologic condition in which there is inadequate blood flow to tissues and cells of the body.

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19
Q

Sepsis symptoms?

A

Fever or hypothermia chills, tachypnea, sleepiness, nausea, mental confusion, low BP, cold/warm skin, severe pain or discomfort.

Inflammatory - High white blood cell count, Immature white blood cells in the circulation, Elevated plasma C-reactive protein, Elevated procalcitonin (PCT).

Hemodynamics - Low blood pressure, Low central venous or mixed venous oxygen saturation, High cardiac index.

Organ Dysfunction - Low oxygen level, Low urine output, High creatinine in the blood, Coagulation (clotting) abnormalities, Absent bowel sounds, Low platelets in the blood, High bilirubin levels.

Tissue Perfusion - High lactate in the blood, Decreased capillary filling or mottling

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20
Q

Causes of sepsis?

A

Causes: Pneumonia, skin infections, UTIs, GI tract infections, skin infections, Bad oral hygiene.

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21
Q

Risk factors of sepsis

A

Elderly, immunocompromised, diabetics, surgical patients.

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22
Q

What is pharmacological treatment for sepsis

A

IV fluids, antibiotics, vasopressors, cortisone, Supportive medication for circulation: Dobutamine infusion, Noradrenaline infusion.

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23
Q

What is the non-pharmacological treatment for sepsis?

A

Oxygen therapy, fluid balance, nutritional support, Surgery.

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24
Q

What is the long term treatment for sepsis?

A

Rehabilitation, monitoring organ function.

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25
What is the short time treatment for sepsis?
Stabilization, infection source control.
26
How is sepsis examined?
Blood cultures x2 - Are always taken from patients who have a fever and who are severely ill and whose symptoms don’t have any other reason. Aim to start before antimicrobial treatment Culture Tests from infection sites (urine, wounds) Blood Tests: Inflammation values: CRP, procalcitonin (PCT), and leukocyte levels (differential blood count), Basic blood count (hemoglobin, leukocytes, thrombocytes), Coagulation factors: thrombocytes – trombosyytit, and TT%, Electrolytes (kalium - potassium, sodium - natrium), Kidney function (Krea, GFR, Urea), Arterial blood gas analysis (arteria-astrup), and lactate (laktaatti) , Liver function (bilirubin, ALAT, ASAT) Medical imaging of suspected infection source ECG, cardiac ultrasound, thorax X-ray
27
How can sepsis be prevented?
Early diagnosis of infections, which in some cases can ensure antimicrobial treatment is started in time. Good asepsis, pay attention to handling of catheters and cannulas. Enforce good wound care. Live a healthy lifestyle. Good oral hygiene, vaccination Monitoring chronic conditions.
28
Nursing interventions for sepsis
Monitor vital signs, Target blood sugar level: 5-8 mmol/l, Insulin for hyperglycemia. Change positions at regular intervals to prevent circulation problems, ensure good oral care. Ensure fluid therapy. Dehydration: Sodium chloride 0,9 % i.v. or Ringer; need of fluids may be several liters, Low urine output, Monitoring fluid balance continuously. Inform relatives of the situation. Administer oxygen, medications Monitor mental status Support nutrition especially enteral cause it has less complication than parenteral nutrition and pain control.
29
30
What is Pneumonia?
Infection of lung parenchyma, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
31
What are the classifications of Pneumonia?
Community acquired pneumonia (CAP), Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), Pneumonia in the immunocompromised host, Aspiration pneumonia, Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
32
What is Aspiration pneumonia?
Occurs if regurgitated stomach contents or enteral feedings from an improperly positioned feeding tube are instilled into the pharynx or the trachea or when oral secretions are aspirated.
33
What are the risk factors for Aspiration pneumonia?
Age more than 70, mechanical ventilation, supine position, gastric or enteral tubes, person unable to protect their airways.
34
Pneumonia symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of pneumonia, causal organism, and presence of underlying disease. *Cough or purulent sputum *Fever ≥ 37,8 ºC *Tachypnea (> 16 breaths/min) *Dyspnea (shortness of breath) *Desaturation (< 96 % in room air) *Tachycardia (pulse > 95/min) *Wheezing breath *Feeling unwell, loss of appetite, deterioration in general condition *Pleuritic chest pain *Headache, muscle pain *Worsening infection symptoms after an upper respiratory tract infection *Common symptoms may be absent in geriatric patients. The only symptoms may be deterioration in general condition and mental confusion.
35
Causes of pneumonia?
Bacteria, viruses. Most common cause Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium.
36
Pneumonia risk factors
Age >65, COPD, smoking, alcoholism, immunosuppressive disorders (splenectomy), bad oral hygiene, multiple medical comorbidities (Diabetes, heart, kidney failure, cancers, strokes), immunosuppressive medicines (corticosteroid therapy)
37
What are some Pharmacological treatments for pneumonia?
Antibiotics, antivirals, antipyretics, pain medication.
38
What are the non-pharmacological treatments for pneumonia?
Oxygen, hydration (Fluid intake about 2-3l a day), rest, maintain nutrition.
39
Short term relief of Pneumonia
Symptom relief, infection control.
40
What is the long term treatment of pneumonia?
Long-term: Prevent recurrence, lung rehab.
41
What are the examinations necessary for pneumonia?
Chest (Thorax) X-ray Laboratory tests: CRP (P-CRP) is elevated (> 20 g/l): in rapid-onset pneumonia, CRP has not elevated yet. Basic blood count (B-PVKT): leukocytosis, Liver and kidney function, Electrolytes, Blood culture sample (B-BaktVi) x 2, Urine pneumococcal antigen test (U-StpnAg) Blood, sputum cultures.
42
What can be done to prevent pneumonia?
Vaccination (influenza, pneumococcus) Hand hygiene Smoking cessation Prevent respiratory tract infections by hand washing, and using hand sanitizer Prevent aspiration pneumonia (elevated head when feeding, semi fowler position), assess patient swallowing., ensure tube placement for patient ‘s with NGT.
43
What are the nursing interventions for nursing of pneumonia?
Administer antibiotics, oxygen Encourage deep breathing, and breathing exercises in semi fowler position, Promote fluid intake. Monitor respiratory function e.g by urging the removal of secretion using an inhaler, coughing, hydrating etc as well as PEP device exercises. Monitor vital signs.
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45
What is a UTI?
UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary tract.
46
What are the types of UTIs?
The types of UTIs include Cystitis (bladder), Pyelonephritis (kidneys), and Urethritis (urethra).
47
What is Cystitis?
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. Diagnosis in healthy women aged 18-65 usually doesn’t require a urine culture test. The diagnosis is based on common symptoms of cystitis. Diagnosis of other patients requires a urine sample and urine culture test.
48
What are the symptoms of Cystitis?
Burning sensation when urinating, increased frequency and urgency to urinate, and blood in urine. Common symptoms may be absent in geriatric patients.
49
What is the treatment for Cystitis?
Treatment includes antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin, pivmecillinam, trimethoprim (3 days), or fosfomycin (a single dose).
50
What is Asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in urine culture without UTI symptoms, often with increased white blood cells and smelly urine. The increased presence of white blood cells (pyuria) in urine and smelly urine is related to asymptomatic bacteriuria.
51
What is Pyelonephritis?
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys with symptoms like fever, back or side pain, nausea/vomiting, and elevated CRP.
52
What is the treatment for Pyelonephritis?
Treatment includes antibiotics such as Kefuroxime i.v., Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin), and Sulfa-trimethoprim for 5-14 days.
53
What is Urethritis?
Urethritis is an infection of the urethra, commonly caused by E. coli.
54
What are symptoms of a UTI?
Painful urination, frequent urge, cloudy/foul-smelling urine, fever.
55
What are the causes of a UTI?
Bacterial entry via urethra. E. coli bacterium.
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What are the risk factors of UTI
sexual intercourse, weakened mucosal defense, prostate hyperplasia, catheters, diabetes.
58
What are some UTI treatments?
Pharmacological: Antibiotics, pain relief. Non-pharmacological: Fluid intake, cranberry juice (controversial). Short-term: Symptom control. Long-term: Prevent recurrence.
59
What kind of examinations are used to make a diagnosis of a UTI?
Urine dipstick test Urine culture CRP if fever is present.
60
How can a UTI be prevented?
*Antibiotic prophylaxis *Cranberry juice *Local estrogen treatment for postmenopausal females *There is no scientific evidence that these methods would prevent UTIs: *Frequent drinking *Frequent emptying of a bladder *Constipation treatment *Avoiding getting cold *Emptying bladder after sexual intercourse *Vitamin C Hygiene, urinate after intercourse, avoid irritants, good hydration.
61
What are nursing interventions for UTI
Encourage fluids, assist with hygiene, monitor symptoms, administer medications.
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24. How to maintain safety from infection for patients and the healthcare workers?
Infection Safety for Patients & Workers Use of PPE, hand hygiene, etc. Monitor the condition of your skin. Dispose of harp object especially needless properly, if exposed to needle injury, rinse with water for about 5 mins, or if wounded skin is exposed to blood, apply an alcoholic poultice 8Over 70%) on the affected area. Isolation. Environmental hygiene.
63
Give me the types of infection that exist?
Acute infection – Appear suddenly and last for a short time. Chronic infection – Occur slowly, may last long time. Local infection – Limited to specific part of the body. Systemic infection – Spread more widely into different parts of the body e.g. Septicemia and septic shock.
64
How are germs transmitted?
Contact (direct/indirect) - Hands, surfaces, health care equipment. Eg C coli, salmonella staphylococcus aureus, MRSA *Direct transmission - Microbes will transfer directly to one person to another by touching *Indirect transmission - The source of the infection (person) will contaminate the environment or care equipment Droplet – Direct exposure to droplets (Larger than aerosol). Obects closely 1-2 meters apart e.g Diptheria, whooping cough, Meningitis, Mumps. Airborne – Microbes in the air, droplets dust, dandruff, usually to person’s airway e.g Anthrax, Tb, Measles, chicken pox. Vector-borne – Insects, misquitos. E.g Malaria Blood-borne – Injection, broken skin, mucous e,g HBV, HCV

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