Infection Control and Safety (incl. Standard and Transmission-based Precautions)

don

putting on gloves

doff

removing gloves

Perform

hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash

supplies for asepsis

soap, disposable towels

Infection control

occurs when the chain of infection is broken at any point in its continuous cycle.

infectious agent

bacteria, viruses, fungi, orparasites

reservoir

where organisms live such as people, surfaces, or equipment

portal of exit

how pathogens leave the reservoir through coughing or blood

mode of transmission

how they spread through contact, droplets, or airborne particles

portal of entry

how they enter a new host through open wounds or mucous membranes

susceptible host

someone with weakened immunity or underlying conditions

Nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections

infections patients acquire while receiving care in healthcare facilities.

Transmission-based precautions

used in addition to standard precautions when patients are known or suspected of having contagious diseases.

Contact precautions

require wearing gloves and gowns when entering the room, using dedicated or disposable equipment, and thorough surface disinfection.

Droplet precautions

require surgical masks within 3 to 6 feet of patients and private room placement.

Airborne precautions

require negative pressure rooms and fit- tested N95 respirators or higher-level protection.

sanitization

rinsing and scrubbing to remove debris

disinfection

using chemical germicides or 1:10 bleach solutions to kill most microorganisms

sterilization

killing all microorganisms through autoclaving with steam and pressure

AEDs

automated external defibrillators

R.A.C.E.

Rescue anyone in danger, Activate fire alarm, Contain (close doors),Extinguish/Evacuate

P.A.S.S.

Pull the extinguisher pin, Aim at the base of fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side