Chain of Infection, Asepsis, and CDC Standard Precautions

A set of 60 practice flashcards covering infection control, stages of infection, modes of transmission, asepsis techniques, and CDC guidelines based on lecture notes.

What occurs during the latent period of infection?

The infection is introduced and lies dormant.

When does an infection become communicable during the initial phases?

As soon as microbes begin to shed.

What happens during the incubation period?

Infectious microbes begin to multiply or reproduce.

In which stage of infection is the disease most active and communicable?

The disease period.

What characterizes the convalescent period of infection?

The patient fights off infections, and symptoms regress.

List the typical order for the Cycle of Infection.

1. Infectious organism, 2. Reservoir of Infection, 3. Portal of Exit, 4. A susceptible host, 5. Portal of entry, 6. Mode of transportation.

How is a pathogen defined?

Any disease-producing agent, especially a virus, bacterium, or other microorganism.

What are three examples of blood-borne pathogens mentioned in the notes?

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

When do opportunistic pathogens become harmful?

When the host is immunocompromised.

What is a reservoir in the context of infection?

A site where the infectious organism can remain alive and from which transmission can occur.

What three environmental conditions must be present for an infectious organism to thrive in a reservoir?

Appropriate temperature, moisture, and nutrients.

Can inanimate objects serve as reservoirs of infection?

Yes, both inanimate objects and living things can be reservoirs.

What are examples of portals of exit for pathogens?

Urine, feces, blood, respiratory droplets, and contaminated solutions.

What two categories are included under the Direct mode of transmission?

Direct contact and droplet contact.

What are examples of infections spread through direct contact?

Skin infections (boils), MRSA, and VRE.

How is droplet contact defined?

Direct contact with nasal or oral secretions from a sneeze, cough, or speaking.

Name the three types of indirect transmission.

Airborne, vehicle-borne (fomites), and vector-borne.

What is a fomite?

An inanimate object that has been in contact with an infectious microorganism.

Provide three examples of fomites.

Food utensils (fork), doorknobs, and IV poles.

What is a vector?

An insect or animal carrier of infectious organisms or agents.

Name three examples of vectors.

Mosquitoes, deer ticks, and rabid animals.

What are the potential portals of entry for an infectious organism?

Breaks in the skin, the GI tract, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, the urinary tract, and the bloodstream.

How can entry to a host occur?

Ingestion, injection, inhalation, and across mucous membranes.

What internal structure serves as a portal of entry between a mother and her unborn child?

The placenta.

What factors can make a host susceptible to infection?

Age (very young or elderly), being infirmed, immunocompromised status, poor nourishment, fatigue, or being sick.

Where can pathogenic microorganisms thrive on a healthcare worker's hands?

In the crevices of jewelry and in chipped nail polish.

What is the definition of a Nosocomial infection?

A health-care-associated infection (HAI) acquired by patients while in the hospital that is unrelated to their original condition.

What is an Iatrogenic infection?

An infection resulting from physician intervention.

What is the difference between Medical Asepsis and Surgical Asepsis?

Medical asepsis is 'clean' technique focused on reducing organisms, while surgical asepsis is 'sterile' technique focused on eliminating all organisms and spores.

What is the definition of disinfection?

The destruction of pathogens through the use of chemical materials.

List three specific chemicals used as disinfectants in radiology.

Chlorine, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide.

What is the proper direction for cleaning contaminated surfaces like an x-ray table?

From the least contaminated to the most contaminated areas and from the top down.

How should soiled gowns and linens be folded for disposal?

From the outside in.

What is the goal of equipment sterilization?

The removal of all microorganisms and their spores.

What is the most effective method of sterilization?

Moist heat using steam under pressure (autoclaving).

What are the requirements for dry heat sterilization compared to moist heat?

Higher temperatures for longer periods of time.

Where does a sterile field end on a person's body?

The sterile field ends at the level of the table; from the waist up and in front is considered sterile.

What is the rule regarding the space between a physician and the sterile field?

Do not invade the space between the physician and the sterile field.

What is the first step in opening a sterile pack?

Unfold the 1st corner of the pack away from you.

How should the lip of a bottle be cleansed before pouring liquid into a sterile receptacle?

By pouring a small amount into an appropriate waste receptacle first.

What is the preferred motion for preparing a skin surface with an antiseptic?

Begin at the center and move in a circular motion toward the outside.

According to the newest CDC guidelines, how long should you wash your hands?

At least 20 seconds.

What is the recommended length of time for a surgical hand scrub using antimicrobial soap?

Usually 2–6 minutes.

When is handwashing with soap and water required instead of using alcohol-based rubs?

Whenever hands are visibly dirty or contaminated.

What is the preferred method for hand hygiene in situations where hands are not visibly dirty?

Alcohol-based hand rub.

How long should it take for an alcohol-based hand rub to dry on the hands?

At least 15 seconds.

When should gloves be used in a healthcare setting?

When hands may contact blood, body fluids, secretions, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin.

What procedures require a mask and eye protection or a face shield?

Procedures likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood or bodily fluids, such as angiography or biopsy.

What is the correct order for donning PPE?

1. Gown, 2. Mask/Respirator, 3. Goggles/Face Shield, 4. Gloves.

What is the correct order for removing (doffing) PPE?

1. Gloves, 2. Goggles/Face Shield, 3. Gown, 4. Mask/Respirator.

What type of respiratory protection is required to prevent inhalation of airborne infectious particles?

A respirator with N95 or higher filtration.

What room environment is required for patients under airborne infection isolation?

A private, specially ventilated negative-pressure room.

What is the maximum recommended length for natural fingernails in healthcare?

About 1/4 inch.

How should contaminated textiles and laundry be handled?

With minimum agitation to avoid contamination of air, surfaces, and persons.

What are the safe disposal practices for needles and sharps?

Activate safety features after use, never recap, and dispose of in rigid, non-overfilled containers.

What is the preferred dilution of sodium hypochlorite for decontaminating nonporous surfaces after a small blood spill?

A $1:100$ dilution ($500-615 \text{ ppm}$ available chlorine).

Can a syringe be used for multiple patients if the needle is changed?

No, needles, cannulas, and syringes are single-use items and must never be reused for another patient.

Where should multidose vials be stored?

They should not be kept in the immediate patient treatment area.

What PPE addition was recommended by HICPAC in 2005 for spinal procedures like myelograms?

A surgical mask to prevent droplet transmission of oropharyngeal flora.

Which method is used to sterilize items that are not tolerant of moisture or high temperatures?

Ethylene oxide.