Health Care Unit 1

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

1. Use a broad base of support 
2. Bend from your hips and your knees: Not your back
3. Use your strong muscles: legs/arms (back muscles are weak) 
4. Use the weight of your body 
5. Carry objects close to your body. 
6. Avoid twisting your body 
7. Avoid bending for long periods of time
8. Get help if something or someone is too heavy