Communicable Disease and Infection Control

For Medtech

Define-Antibiotic

A drug that kills certain microbes that cause infection

Define-Antisepsis

Process that kills microbes/prevent them from causing infection

Define-Asepsis

Absense of disease-producing microbes

H.A.I

aka- healthcare-associated infection

Infect that develops in a healthcare setting

Infect related to receiving healthcare

Define-Sterile

Absense of all microbes

Define-Vaccine

A preparation containing weakened/dead microbes (called an antigen)

Your body creates antibodies to destroy these

What’s the goal of infection control?

Prevent the spread of infection

Name and desribe 3 types of microbes Pt.1

Bacteria: 1 celled org that multiply fast

Fungi: Plant-like organisms that live on other animals/plants (yeast, mold)

Protozoa: 1-celled animal that can infect blood, brain, intestines, more

Name and describe 3 types of microbes Pt.2

Rickettsiae: Found in fleas, lice, ticks + more —> spread by bug bites

Viruses: Grow in living cells-cold, herpes, hepatitis

Helminthes: Worms, pinworms

Cause of Multi-Drug resistant organisms (mdros) aka antibiotic resistant bacteria?

It can be caused by over prescription and also by not taking the full round of antibiotics

Who named two common multi-drug resistant organisms

MRSA (METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS)

VRE (Vancomycin resistant Enterococci)

Explain cycle of infection

Infectious agents (microorganisms capable of causing disease ) bacteria

reservoirs: place where microorganisms live grow reproduce (food water)

portals of exit: Way infectious agents leave the reservoir (blood, excretions, sécrétions)

mode of transmission: the way infectious agent is spread from reservoir to accept the susceptible host (physical contact, droplet, airborne)

portals of Entry: Way agent enters the susceptible host (broken skin)

susceptible host: individuals that have traits that may affect their susceptibility and severity of their disease (immune deficiency, diabetes, age)

Explain how hai's occur

They occur when pathogens are transmitted to a vulnerable patient within a facility, often by unwashed hands of healthcare workers, contaminated medical devices, equipment or inadequate environmental cleaning

Explain the difference between medical and surgical aspsis

Medical asepsis: designed to reduce number and transfer of pathogens (handwashing, sanitizing)

Surgical asepsis: practices that keep items and areas completely free of all microbes and spores (sterile surgical equipment)

What are some common aseptic practices used to break the chain of infection

Regular hand washing, PPE, routine cleaning, proper disposal of single use items

Describe the steps to proper hand washing

Wet hands thorly into warm water, apply soap to create lather, rub hands together for at least 20 seconds, scrub all surfaces including back of hand fingers palms between fingers under under your nails, rinse thoroughly with hands pointing downwards in the sink, use clean paper towel to dry off, then use a new clean dry paper towel to turn off sink

When do Healthcare professionals need to wash their hands

Before and after direct contact with patience, , after any contact with body fluids, contaminated surfaces, after removing medical gloves, when moving from contaminated to clean site on body of a patient

Explain procedure for using an alcohol-based hand drop

Apply recommended amount on hands and make sure it hits all surfaces. Wait until dry

Can an alcohol-based handrab be used for noticeably soiled hands

No, as it'll be ineffective

When are isolation precautions used

They're used when a patient is known or suspected to be infected with highly contagious pathogen

Difference between standard precautions and transmission based precautions

Basic practices that apply to all patients at all times to prevent exposure to blood body fluids non-intact skin

Specialized practices added to standard precautions for spécifique pathways of infection

(Airborne, droplet, contact precautions)

What is the sequence for putting on personal protective equipment (donning) and taking off PPE (doffing)?

Gown, mask, gogs or face shield, gloves cover cuffs of gown

Gown, gogs, mask, gloves Wash hands thoroughly

What is biohazardous waste

liquid or solid waste that contains infectious materials such as blood that pose a threat to human health if handled improperly

What is the procedure for double bagging

Used when a primary bag has been contaminated. One worker will stay inside the isolation area while the other stand outside holding a clean labeled bag open. Then placed the bag inside without touching the exterior of the second bag

What is the purpose of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

To regulation enforced by OSHA designed to protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV, Hep B and C. Requires employers to provide the proper equipment and rules to avoid exposure

What does an exposure control plan

A written plan required by OSHA that outlines exactly how an employer will eliminate or minimize employee exposure to blood and bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials.