ch 7 asepsis and infection control

Aseptic Technique

Developed by Joseph Lister to reduce infection by preventing the spread of microorganisms.

Father of Aseptic Technique

Joseph Lister.

Purpose of Infection Control

Protect patients and healthcare workers from infection.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

An infection acquired during a patient's stay in a healthcare facility.

Community-Acquired Infection

An infection acquired outside a healthcare facility.

Asepsis

Absence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique that inhibits the growth and spread of pathogens.

Examples of Medical Asepsis

Hand hygiene, changing linens, routine patient care.

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique that destroys all microorganisms and spores.

Examples of Surgical Asepsis

Operating room procedures, catheter insertion, wound care, injections.

Chain of Infection

Six elements required for infection transmission.

Infectious Agent

A pathogen capable of causing disease.

Reservoir

A place where microorganisms live and multiply.

Portal of Exit

Route through which pathogens leave the reservoir.

Mode of Transmission

Method by which pathogens spread.

Portal of Entry

Route through which pathogens enter a host.

Susceptible Host

A person unable to effectively resist infection.

Virulence

Ability of a pathogen to cause disease.

Spores

Dormant forms of microorganisms that survive harsh conditions.

Aerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that require oxygen to grow.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that grow without oxygen.

Flagella

Structures that allow some bacteria to move.

Capsule

Protective outer layer that helps bacteria resist antibiotics.

Gram Stain

A staining method used to identify bacteria.

Virus

Smallest infectious agent that requires a host cell to reproduce.

Why Antibiotics Do Not Work on Viruses

Viruses are not living cells and reproduce inside host cells.

Common Viral Entry Routes

Respiratory tract, GI tract, skin breaks, insect bites, needlestick injuries.

Fungi

Yeasts and molds that can cause infections.

Protozoa

Single-celled animal organisms that may cause disease.

Malaria

A disease caused by parasitic protozoa.

Common Reservoirs

Humans, animals, water, soil, contaminated surfaces.

Common Portals of Exit

Respiratory secretions, blood, body fluids, open wounds.

Contact Transmission

Spread through direct or indirect contact.

Droplet Transmission

Spread through large respiratory droplets.

Airborne Transmission

Spread through particles suspended in the air.

Vector Transmission

Spread through insects or animals.

Fomite

A contaminated object that transmits pathogens.

Common Portals of Entry

Mucous membranes, respiratory tract, urinary tract, broken skin.

Factors Increasing Susceptibility to Infection

Age, chronic illness, immunosuppressive therapy, stress, fatigue, poor nutrition.

Common HAIs

Surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections.

Infection Control Nurse

Monitors infections and develops safe patient care practices.

Occupational Health Service

Protects healthcare workers and patients through infection prevention measures.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Requirement

Employers must provide the vaccine to workers at risk for occupational exposure.

Needlestick Injury

Response

Most Common Infection Transmitted by Needlestick

Hepatitis B.

Standard Precautions

First tier of CDC infection prevention guidelines.

When Standard Precautions Apply

All patients regardless of diagnosis.

Hand Hygiene Requirement

Perform before and after patient contact.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns.

Sharps Safety

Do not recap needles; dispose of them properly.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Second tier of CDC precautions for known or suspected infections.

Goal of Transmission-Based Precautions

Interrupt the chain of infection and reduce transmission.

Most Important Infection Prevention Technique

Hand hygiene.

Recommended Handwashing Time

15–20 seconds.

When Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Is Acceptable

When hands are not visibly soiled.

Cross-Contamination

Transfer of microorganisms from one source to another.

Airborne Precautions

Used for diseases spread through airborne droplet nuclei.

Diseases Requiring Airborne Precautions

Measles, tuberculosis, varicella, COVID-19.

Negative-Pressure Room

A room designed to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping.

N-95 Respirator

Respirator worn during airborne precautions.

PAPR

Powered air-purifying respirator.

Fit Test

Procedure to ensure proper respirator size and seal.

Droplet Precautions

Used for diseases spread through large respiratory droplets.

Haemophilus influenzae

Droplet-transmitted bacterium causing meningitis and pneumonia.

Neisseria meningitidis

Droplet-transmitted bacterium causing meningitis and sepsis.

Contact Precautions

Used for diseases spread through direct or indirect contact.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

An enteric infection requiring contact precautions.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus; requires contact precautions in infants and children.

Antiseptic

A substance that inhibits microorganism growth on living tissue.

Examples of Antiseptics

Alcohol and chlorhexidine (CHG).

Cleaning

Removal of soil, debris, and organic matter.

Disinfection

Process that destroys microorganisms but not spores.

Disinfectant

A chemical used on inanimate objects to kill microorganisms.

Sterilization

Process that destroys all microorganisms including spores.

Where Sterilization Is Often Performed

Central supply department.

Examples of Sterile Procedures

Urinary catheterization and sterile dressing changes.

Sterile Body Areas

Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, internal organs, and bone.

Sterile Technique Principle

Sterile only touches sterile.

What Happens When Sterile Touches Nonsterile

It becomes contaminated.

Requirements for Sterile Packages

Intact, unopened, dry, and undamaged.

Position of Sterile Items

Keep above waist level and in sight.

Effect of Moisture on Sterility

Moisture contaminates sterile items.

Why Fluids Flow Downward

Gravity causes contamination if dirty fluid flows over sterile surfaces.

Sterile Field Border

Outer 1-inch border is considered contaminated.

Lipping a Bottle

Pouring a small amount of solution out before use to avoid contamination.