Week 1 - Infection Control and Prevention Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is an Infectious Agent?
The pathogen that causes disease, which can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Understanding the type of infectious agent is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.
What is a Reservoir in the Chain of Infection?
The natural habitat of the pathogen where it lives and multiplies (humans, animals, environment).
Identifying the reservoir helps in controlling the spread of infection.
What is a Portal of Exit?
The route through which the pathogen leaves the reservoir (e.g., respiratory tract, blood, skin).
This is important for implementing measures to prevent transmission.
What is the Mode of Transmission?
The way the pathogen is transmitted from one host to another (direct contact, airborne, vector-borne).
Understanding this helps in applying the right infection control measures.
What is a Portal of Entry?
The pathway through which the pathogen enters a new host (e.g., mucous membranes, respiratory tract).
This knowledge is essential for protecting susceptible individuals.
Who is a Susceptible Host?
An individual at risk of infection due to factors like weakened immune systems, age, or underlying health conditions.
Identifying susceptible hosts allows for targeted prevention strategies.
What are factors associated with Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?
Invasive Procedures: Procedures like catheter insertions or surgeries that break the skin barrier increase the risk of infection.
Poor Hand Hygiene Practices: Inadequate handwashing by healthcare workers can lead to the transmission of pathogens.
Contaminated Medical Equipment: Equipment that is not properly sterilized can harbor pathogens and lead to infections.
Prolonged Hospital Stays: Longer stays increase exposure to pathogens in healthcare settings.
Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant strains of bacteria, making infections harder to treat.
What are the significance and effects of HAIs?
Increased Morbidity and Mortality Rates: HAIs can lead to severe complications and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Extended Hospital Stays: Patients with HAIs often require longer hospitalization, which can strain healthcare resources.
Higher Healthcare Costs: Treating HAIs adds significant costs to healthcare systems due to additional treatments and longer stays.
Potential for Long-Term Health Complications: Some infections can lead to chronic health issues, affecting quality of life.
Impact on Patient Trust and Satisfaction: HAIs can erode trust in healthcare providers and institutions, leading to decreased patient satisfaction.
What are the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene?
Before Patient Contact
Before Aseptic Task
After Body Fluid Exposure Risk
After Patient Contact
After Contact with Patient Surroundings
How do you assess and select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Assess Risk of Exposure: Evaluate the likelihood of contact with blood or body fluids based on the task at hand.
Select Appropriate PPE:
Gloves: Required for any contact with blood or body fluids to protect both the patient and healthcare worker.
Gowns: Used during procedures where there is a high risk of fluid exposure to protect clothing and skin.
Masks and Eye Protection: Necessary for procedures that may generate splashes or droplets, protecting mucous membranes.
Proper Donning and Doffing: Ensure correct techniques are used to put on and remove PPE to prevent contamination.
