perioperative prophylaxis

Question 1

what is prophylaxis

Answer 1

treatment given or action taken to prevent disease

Question 2

name four healthcare associated infections and their causes

Answer 2

MRSA - indwelling catheters and poor hygeine

chloridoids difficile - antibiotics, poor hygeine, proton pump inhibitors

ESBL (extended spectrum beta lactamase) - urinary catheters

surgical site infections - gram negative bacteria, MRSA, anaerobes, group A streptococcus

Question 3

5 reasons we need to prevent healthcare associated infections

Answer 3

1. to reduce morbidity and mortality which may result in sepsis
2. to reduce length of stay in hospital
3. to reduce economic burden
4. to reduce the risk of surigical procedure
5. patients with HCAIs are 7 times more likely to die as inpatients

Question 4

what are the principles of prevention

Answer 4

remove sources

block routes of transfer

enhance natural resistance

offer chemical prophylaxis

Question 5

how to prevent airborne transmission

Answer 5

place infected patients in isolation

protect the vulnerable patients by using filtered air, negative pressure

Question 6

what is colonisation

Answer 6

when microorganisms exist in the body but dont invade tissue or cause detectable damage

Question 7

what is infection

Answer 7

when microorganisms begin to invade the body and cause detectable damage