Nosocomial infection Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is a nosocomial infection?
Infection that is not present at the time of hospital admission but develops during the hospital stay.
Also known as hospital-acquired infections, hospital-associated infections, and hospital infections.
What are microorganisms?
Extremely small life forms that humans are continuously exposed to, found everywhere, including air, food, clothing, skin, and inside the body.
What two factors determine infection?
- Host’s immune system’s ability to defend itself
- Virulence of the microorganism
What is virulence?
The disease-producing power of a pathogen.
What is the first link in the Chain of Infection?
Causative agent, which is the germ or pathogenic organism.
What is the second link in the Chain of Infection?
Reservoir host, where the germ has a place to live or hide-out.
What types of reservoirs can be involved in infections?
- Animals
- Insects
- Humans
- Objects
- Surfaces
- Equipment
- Food
- Water
- Air
What is the third link in the Chain of Infection?
Portal of exit, which is the means by which the pathogen leaves its reservoir.
How do pathogens exit the human body?
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal secretions
- Breast milk
- Tears
- Urine
- Feces
- Mucous discharge
- Drainage from open wounds
- Across the placenta
What is the fourth link in the Chain of Infection?
Mode of transmission, which is the method or route by which the pathogen is transmitted.
What are the subgroups of contact transmission?
- Direct contact
- Indirect contact
- Droplet contact
What defines direct contact transmission?
Occurs when an infected person transfers the pathogen to another person through touch.
What defines indirect contact transmission?
Spread of infections through contaminated food, water, or objects.
What is droplet contact transmission?
Occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks within three feet of another person.
What is airborne transmission?
Occurs when an individual inhales or contacts a pathogen suspended in the air or dust.
What is vector-borne transmission?
Infections carried by insects like fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes that pass pathogens when they bite.
What is the fifth link in the Chain of Infection?
Portal of entry, which is the means by which germs enter a new reservoir or host.
What are common portals of entry for pathogens?
- Breaks in the skin
- Mucous membranes of eyes, mouth, or nose
- Digestive tract
- Urinary and reproductive tracts
- Respiratory system
- Circulatory system
What is the sixth link in the Chain of Infection?
Susceptible host, which is someone unable to fight off the pathogen.
What are some methods for breaking the Chain of Infection?
- Wash hands
- Clean and disinfect surfaces
- Handle food safely
- Get immunized
- Use antibiotics appropriately
- Avoid contact with wild animals
What are Standard Precautions?
Precautions applicable to all patients, including the use of barriers like gloves and masks to prevent infection.
What is medical asepsis?
Basic principles aimed at reducing the spread of microorganisms.
What are some basic principles of medical asepsis?
- Wash hands frequently
- Keep soiled items away from clothing
- Avoid direct contact with others when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of soiled items properly
What should you avoid when handling sterile objects?
- Leaning against sinks or equipment
- Talking, coughing, or sneezing over a sterile field
- Walking away from or turning your back on a sterile field
