Dynamics of Healthcare: Chapter 18

Microorganism

a microscopic organism that is too small to be seen by the unaided human eye

Bacteria

a single-cell organism that multiplies rapidly and is classified by shape and arrangement

Viruses

non-living microscopic particles that attack healthy cells within living things, and inject their own DNA structure into healthy cells where new ones will grow.

Fungi

a low form of plant life; it grows in groups or colonies on other organisms

Aerobic

requiring oxygen to live

Anaerobic

does not require oxygen to live

Nonpathogenic

a microorganism that is living without causing harm to another organism

Pathogenic

a microorganism causes disease or harm to another organism

Host

the person to whom a pathogen is transported after leaving the reservoir host

Carrier

a person infected with a pathogen

Normal Flora

microorganisms that usually live in a certain location of the body

Infection

a state of disease caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the body

Spore

a resistant cell, usually possessing a thick wall enabling the cell to withstand unfavorable conditions, it is difficult to destroy these kinds of cells

Reservoir

the person who is infected with the pathogen, also known as the carrier of the disease

Portal of Exit

the path by which a pathogen leaves the host such as the nose, throat, mouth, ear, intestinal tract, urinary tract, and wounds

Means of Transmission

means by which organisms are carried about such as hands, equipment, instruments, china and silverware, linens, and droplets.

Portal of Entry

part of the body where organisms enter such as any breaks in the skin or mucous membrane, mouth, nose, and genitourinary tract

Susceptible Host

a person whose body cannot fight off organisms once it enters the body and who therefore usually becomes ill

Incubation Period

the period between the infection of an individual by a pathogen and the manifestation of the illness or disease it causes

Period of Communicability

the time period during which an infected person can spread their infection to others

Fomite

inanimate objects that can carry and spread disease and infectious agents

Direct Contact

contact between the infected reservoir host and a susceptible host

Indirect Contact

contact with a vehicle known as a vector

Droplet

A small drop, such as a particle of moisture discharged from the mouth during coughing, sneezing, or speaking; these may transmit infections while airborne to others

Nosocomial / HAI (Healthcare Acquired Infections) Infection

a new infection acquired in a health-care facility that is not attributable to a patient's original condition

Asepsis

the state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms

Sepsis

when pathogenic microorganisms enter the body, a state of infection

Contaminated

to make something unclean by contact or mixture

Sterile

Free from all live bacteria or other microorganisms and their spores

Sterile field

the germ-free area around a surgical patient where the operation is performed

Aseptic Technique

measures taken to control and reduce the number of pathogens present in an area or on an object

Standard Precautions

a set of procedures recognized by the CDC to reduce the transmission of microorganisms in any health care setting

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Specialized clothing or equipment used by workers to protect themselves from direct exposure to blood or other potentially hazardous materials to avoid injury or disease

Biohazard

A general term for pathogenic bacteria, viruses or other dangerous biologic agents

Sterilization

an infection control method by which all forms of microorganisms, including spores, are destroyed on inanimate objects and surfaces, sterilization is the highest level of infection control

Autoclaves

An apparatus for sterilization by the use of steam under pressure

Bactericides (Disinfectants)

An agent that destroys bacteria

Antiseptic

agents commonly used to disinfect wounds or cuts

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

the main federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of workers through the enforcement of safety and health legislation

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

a U.S. government agency dedicated to the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability

Incident Report or Exposure Report

a document completed by health care providers when a patient or a provider has been exposed to a biohazard

Sanitizing

to make something sanitary by cleaning or disinfecting

Conditions for Growth of Microorganisms

- warmth

- darkness

- food source

- moisture

Sites where there is normal flora

- the skin (especially the moist areas, such as the groin and between the toes)

- respiratory tract (particularly the nose)

- urinary & digestive tract (primarily the mouth and colon)

Infection

a state of disease caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the body

Most common infection in the world

URI (upper respiratory infection)

Ways pathogens cause disease

- some microorganisms produce poisons (toxins) that affect the body

- some microorganisms cause an allergic reaction in the body

Airborne

microorganisms that are carried in the air, they can travel on air currents over considerable distances

Oral Route

microorganisms enter the body through the mouth through water, containminated food, dirty hands and from fomites (ex: chewing on a contaminated pencil)

Handwashing

the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection, it removes infectious organisms before they can enter the body or be transferred

Basic Rules of Standard Precautions

- Handwashing

- Good Personal Hygiene

- Use of PPE

- Proper Handling of Sharps

- Proper Cleaning of Instruments & Equipment

- Thorough Cleaning of the Environment

PPE includes...

- Gloves

- Eye Wear

- Mask

- Hair & Shoe Covers

- Gown/Apron

Smoke Detectors

alert people when fires occur

Musculoskeletal

disruption of this body system concerned with mobility can affect a person's ability to respond to hazardous situations and increase the risk on injury

Fatigue

results from significant mental or physical activity and can lead to poor perception of danger, faulty judgement, and inadequate problem solving

Proper Sanitation includes...

- clean water supply

- adequate sewage system

- absence of insects and rodents

Factors that Affect people's safety

- environmental (adequate ventilation, proper maintained heating system, well maintained electrical system, dust, chemicals, noise, heights, and dangerous machines in the workplace)

- physiological (musculoskeletal & neurological system & fatigue)

Gas Leaks

lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion

Safety & Security

the basic human needs and the foundation of health care

Development Stages

Carrying different safety risks

- unborn child: growth & development can be harmed by exposure to drugs, alcohol, or smoke

- Children: hazards multiply as motor skills & environment develop and expand

- Adolescents: abusing drugs or alcohol or engaging in high-risk sexual activity

- Older Adults: risk of serious injury from falls due to frail bones

Neurological / Nervous System

impairment to this body system can interfere with judgement and motor control leading to harmful consequences

A threat to a communities' safety and security includes...

- air pollution

- crime

- hazardous waste sites

- dilapidated housing

- lack of proper sanitation

Identification Bracelet

a bracelet worn by patients in a hospital that has essential information such as the patient's name and birth date written on it and helps ensure safety

R.A.C.E.

an acronym that health care facilities base their fire procedures on:

R - Rescue anyone in immediate danger

A - Activate the fire code system & notify the appropriate person

C - Confine the fire by closing doors & windows

E - Evacuate patients and others to a safe area or Extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so

Three Classes of Fires

Class A : ordinary combustibles (wood, cloth, paper, plastic)

Class B : flammable liquids

Class C : live electrical

ABC fire extinguisher

the most common fire extinguisher used in health care facilities that can contains a material similar to baking soda that can be put on any class of a fire

P.A.S.S.

an acronym on how to operate a fire extinguisher:

P - Pull the locking pin

A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

S - Squeeze the handle

S - Sweep from side to side

Plugs should be...

grounded (three-pronged)

Supplemental Oxygen

Is ordered by a health care professional and considered a medication, but also supports combustion

When providing supplemental oxygen you should...

- avoid open flames in the room

- place "no smoking" signs in multiple places

- check that all electrical equipment in the room is grounded, works well, and does NOT emit any sparks

- avoid synthetic fabrics that build up static electricity

- avoid using oils in the area (including petroleum jelly)

Three Cardinal Rules of Radiation Protection

1. Minimize time of exposure to the source

2. Maximize distance from the source

3. Use appropriate shielding

Health care work related assualts and threats of violence

- the carrying of weaponry (ex: hand-guns)

- increasing number of mentally ill patients being released from hospitals without follow-up care

- the presence of drugs and money in facilities (robbery targets)

- unrestricted movement of the public in facilities

- isolated work with clients during examinations

- increasing presence of drug or alcohol abusers, trauma patients, distraught family members, and gang members

Emergency Actions Plans should include

- preferred method for reporting emergencies such as fires

- evacuation policy & emergency escape procedures

- names, titles, departments, & telephone numbers of individuals inside & outside of the facility to contact for additional information in the case of an emergency

- designated rescue and medical duties for each employee

- procedures for employees who remain in the facility to preform essential services like operating fire extinguishers

MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus)

an organism that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, and is a common cause of postoperative infections

VRSA (Vancomycin Resistant S. aureus)

an organism that is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin

An organism's potential to produce disease in a person depends on a variety of factors

- the number of organisms in the exposure

- the organisms' virulence (ability to cause disease)

- the relative strength of the individual's immune system

- the length and intimacy of the contact between the person and the microorganism

Chain of Infection

a series of links through which a pathogen spreads from one person to another:

- reservoir

- exit from reservoir

- vehicle of transmission

- portal of entry

- susceptible host

Vector

a vehicle for carrying infection, such as contaminated food or water, disease-carrying insects, or objects like soil, drinking glasses, and improperly disinfected medical instruments

Humans, Animals, & insects

Examples of common reservoir hosts

Three Types of Human HostsHuma

1. People stricken by an infectious disease

2. Carriers of the disease who are not ill from it yet

3. Those incubating the disease but do not have symptoms yet

Anthrax & Rabies

diseases transmitted to humans from infected animals

Lyme disease

disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected deer tick

Malaria

A disease caused by mosquitoes implanting parasites in the blood.

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

a disease transmitted by direct contact with infectious body fluids OR contact with with contaminated sharps that severely weakens a person's immune system

Chicken Pox (varicella)

a disease transmitted by direct contact or droplets

Cholera

a disease transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water

Diphtheria

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets and infected carriers

Hepatitis B

a disease transmitted by direct contact with infectious body fluid that causes inflammation of the liver

Influenza

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets, infect carriers, or direct contact with contaminated articles such as used tissues

Measles (rubeola)

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets and infected carriers

Meningitis

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets

Mononucleosis

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets or contact with infected saliva

Mumps

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets, infected carriers, or direct contact with materials contaminated with infected saliva

Pneumonia

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets or direct contact with infected mucus

Rabies

a disease transmitted by direct contact with saliva of infected animal such as an animal bite

Rubella (German Measles)

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets and infected carriers

Tetanus

a disease transmitted by direct contact with spores or contaminated animal feces

Tuberculosis (TB)

a disease transmitted by airborne droplets and infected carriers that attacks the lungs

Airborne Disease

disease that is spread from person to person through droplets in the air

blood-borne disease

disease that is spread from person to person when an infected person's blood or certain other body fluids come into contact with the mucous membranes or bloodstream of an uninfected person