WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Asepsis
Infection - a:without infection - sepsis:infection
Microorganism
A small living organism that you can’t see without a microscope
Handwashing
The most effective way to prevent infection
Pathogen
Microorganisms that can cause infection or disease
Fomite
Contaminated non-living objects
Disinfection
A method to eliminate MOST pathogens from equipment
Sterilization
A method to eliminate ALL microorganisms from objects
Antiseptic
A liquid to ‘clean’ the skin
Opportunist Infection
Infections that occur when the body’s defences are weak
Nosocomial Infection
An infection acquired by a person in a health facility such as a hospital or longterm care facility
Cross Contamination
When microorganisms pass from one person or inanimate object to another
Standard Precaution
Standard infection control practices with the assumption that everyone could be infectious
Transmission based precaution
Standard precautions used when there is a known infectious illness
Working Height
A levelled height at which the patient is at in order for the healthcare worker to work at to prevent muscular/back strain
Medical Asepsis
Removing most pathogens, cleaning techniques, disinfections
Medical Asepsis Examples
Washing Hands, disinfecting surfaces, wearing PPE
Surgical Asepsis
Removing ALL pathogens, sterilization
Surgical Asepsis Examples
Creating a sterile field where everything inside is free of pathogens , Using an autoclave, Using sterile equipment (gloves, needles, etc)
When is Surgical Asepsis used?
Anything that deals with exposure to opening tissues or going inside a body use surgical asepsis
What is Donning
Putting on PPE
What is Doffing
Taking off PPE
Infectious Agent
The pathogen that causes illness
Infectious agent - spread of infection
Molds, Fungi
Bacteria
Viruses
Helminths (worms)
Protozoa
Reservoirs
Where the pathogens live
Reservoirs - spread of infection
Any surface
Human body
Animals, plants, atmosphere
Portal of Exit
How the pathogen leaves reservoirs
Portal of Exit - spread of infection
Coughing, sneezing
Bodily fluids
Blood, mucus, urine, feces, semen, vaginal fluid, sputum (saliva)
Means of Transmission
How the pathogen travels
Means of Transmission - spread of infection
Airborne
Tiny droplets of air suspended in air for 7 days
Droplets
Bigger droplets fallen on surfaces
Contact
Must come in close contact and bodily fluids ingested
Portal of Entry
How the pathogen enters the body
Portal of Entry - spread of infection
Circulatory system
Bites
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Reproductive system
Urinary system
Susceptible Host
People vulnerable to illness
Susceptible Host - spread of infection
People under stress
Elderly
Infants
Medical history
Vaccines
Unhealthy habits
Smoking, drinking
Lack of sleep
Diet
Genetics
Treatments
Chemo
6 concerns for Healthcare workers?
Blood-borne pathogens
Sharps cuts
Ergonomic injuries
Slips, trips, and falls
Chemical hazards
Disaster planning
How are blood-borne pathogens transmitted?
Contaminated needles
Through air
Contact with patients
Types of blood-borne pathogens
HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
How are blood-borne pathogens prevented?
Needles put in sharps containers
Taking time
What is the best way to avoid a sharps injury?
Slow down, act in calm manners
Supine position
Used for general examination or physical assessment
Prone Position
to help relieve pain
Lateral Position
To help relieve pain/pressure on the coccyx
Sims Position
Used for rectal examination, treatments, enemas, for women is can be used for vaginal wall prolapse
Semi-Fowlers Position
To help patient with breathing problems
High-Fowlers Position
To help aid digestion and used if patients need assistance in breathing
Tredelenburg position
Used in situation like hypotension, or medical emergencies. Lets blood flow back into the important organs like the head and heart
Reverse Tredelenburg Position
Used for patients with gastrointestinal problems as it helps minimize the esophageal reflux.
8 rules for body mechanics
Use a broad base of support
Bend from your hips and your knees: Not your back
Use your strong muscles: legs/arms (back muscles are weak)
Use the weight of your body
Carry objects close to your body.
Avoid twisting your body
Avoid bending for long periods of time
Get help if something or someone is too heavy