Applied Skills Exam 1

Study Guide Flashcards

Mode of Transmission: Airborne

Microorganisms are carried by air currents/ droplets smaller than 5 microns

ex: Varicella, Rubeola, Tuberculosis

key controls: private room w/ negative pressure airflow and N95 respirators

Mode of Transmission: Contact

Direct or indirect contact with contaminated objects/ surfaces.

ex: C.Diff, MRSA, Staph

key controls: Private room, gloves, gowns

Mode of Transmission: Indirect Contact

Transmission via inanimate objects (fomites) such as shared towels, stethoscopes or blood pressure cuffs

Mode of Transmission: Vector Borne

Transmission via an animal or insect vector

ex: mosquitoes, ticks

Modes of Transmission: Droplet

Transmission via large respiratory droplets >5 microns expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking

ex: Influenza

key controls: Surgical mask within 3 feet of the client; surgical mask on the client during transport

Spore-Forming Pathogens C.Diff

Must wash hands with soap and warm water.

Alcohol based sanitizers do not destroy spores.

General Hand Hygiene

Wash with soap and water if visibly soiled. Friction duration should be at least 15 to 30 seconds. Always hold hands below elbows while rinsing so water flows from least to most contaminated area. Use warm water (hot water strips protective skin oils).

Equipment Cleaning Steps

Always remove visible organic material before applying disinfectants or sterilization procedures. Wear personal protective equipment including protective eyewear when cleaning organic debris to prevent splash injury.

Chain of Infection Links: Infectious Agent

Pathogen causing the infection

ex: Bacteria, Virus, Fungus

Chain of Infection Links: Reservoir

Place where the pathogen lives, replicates, and thrives

ex: contaminated food, water, human body

Chain of Infection Links: Portal of Exit

Route by which the agent leaves the reservoir

ex: Respiratory tract, GI tract, skin lesions

Chain of Infection Links: Mode of Transmission

How the agent travels to a host

ex: contact, airborne, droplet, vector

Chain of Infection Links: Portal of Entry

Route by which the agent enters the host

ex: mouth, non-intact skin, mucouse membranes

Chain of Infection Links: Susceptible Host

Person at risk for infection due to reduced immune defenses, chronic diseases, age, malnutrition

Stages of Infectious Process: Incubation

Period from initial exposure/entry of pathogen until the first non-specific symptoms appear/

Stages of Infectious Process: Prodomal

Onset of initial, mild, nonspecific symptoms

ex: low grade fever, malaise, fatigue

Stages of Infectious Process: Acute Illness

Appearance of severe, specific, full blown signs and symptoms characteristic of the disease.

Stages of Infectious Process: Convalescence

Period where symptoms subside and the client recoveres toward baseline health

Steps of Inflammation: Step 1

Recognition of harmful stimuli by pattern receptors on cell surfaces

Steps of Inflammation: Step 2

Triggering of inflammatory pathways

Steps of Inflammation: Step 3

Release of chemical inflammatory markers

ex: C-reactive protein, histamine

Steps of Inflammation: Step 4

Activation and migration of inflammatory cells

leukocytets/ WBC’S

Localized Inflammation

Redness (erythema), warmth, localized swelling, pain, and loss of function at the site

Laboratory Values: WBC

Normal refrence range is 5,000 to 10,000/mm3. Leukocytosis (>10,000mm3) indicates systemic infection or acute inflammation.

Laboratory Values: Platelets

150,000-400,000mm3, clotting function

Laboratory Values: Hemoglobin (Hgb)

Indicates oxygen-carrying capacity (decreased in anemia)

Border Rules

The outer 1 inch (2.5cm) border of a sterile field is considered unsterile/contaminated.

Package Opening

1. Inspect the package for punctures, moisture, or expiration dates first.

2. Open the top flap away from your body.

3. Open side flaps one at a time.

4. Open the final slap toward your body.

Spatial awareness

Keep the sterile field above waist level and below chest evel at all times.

Position the field 12 to 18 inches away from walls or contaminated objects

Never turn your back on a sterile field or reach across it. Set up the field as close to the procedure time as possbile.

Order of Donning PPE

Gown → Mask/Respirator → Goggles/Face Shield → Gloves.

Order of Doffing PPE

Gloves → Goggles/ Face shield → Gown → Mask/ Respirator (remove gloves first as they are most contaminated.

Needlestick Safety

Activate safety mechanisms immediately after use.

Dispose of sharps directly in puncture-resistant containers.

Never bend, break, or manually recap needles.

Ventilator Care Bundle

Elevate the head of the bed to prevent aspiration.

Perform routine oral care ex: chlorhexidine rinses

Perform endotracheal/tracheostomy suctioning as needd not on a fixed routine schedule.

Epidermis

Nonvascular outer layer composed of squamous epithelial cells. Receies nourishment via diffusion from the underlying dermis.

Dermis

Middle layer containing blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and sweat glands.

Hypodermis

Adipose tissue providing insulation, cushion, and skin mobility.

Enamel

Hard outer coating of the teeth that protects against decay and bacterial plaque.

Skin Integrity & Hygiene Best Practices

Wash with warm water and mild soap

Pat dry gently with a towel do not rub vigorously

Apply gentle moisturizers immediately after bathing to keep skin hydrated.