Ch 31 Infection Control and Medical Asepsis

Sanitization

The process of washing and scrubbing to remove materials such as body tissue, blood, or other contaminants.

Incubation period

The interval between exposure to infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.

Incineration

The method used to destroy contaminated disposable items completely by flame.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The organization that created the mission to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths by issuing and enforcing workplace rules.

Sterilization

The process that destroys all forms of living organisms, including transmissible agents like bacteria, viruses, and their spores.

Bacterial meningitis

A disease that can cause an abnormally deep stupor, known as a coma, from which a person cannot be aroused by external stimuli.

Droplet infection

An infection or disease transmission that results from sneezing or coughing.

Normal flora

Helpful and necessary microorganisms in humans and animals that provide a balance in the body and destroy pathogens.

Pathogen

A disease-producing microorganism.

Spores

Hard capsules formed by certain bacteria that enable them to resist prolonged exposure to heat.

Five common infectious agents

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and rickettsia.

Growth requirements for microorganisms

Oxygen, proper pH, temperature of 37°C (98.6°F), nutrients, water, and a host to inhabit.

Hepatitis B prevention

Obtaining the hepatitis B vaccination series and following standard/universal precautions.

Blood and body fluid precautions

Wearing appropriate protection (gloves, gown/apron, mask, goggles) whenever in direct or indirect contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin.

Purpose of standard and universal precautions

To avoid contamination from patients and to prevent disease transmission.

Proper handling of sharps

Handle with extreme caution; never recap, break off, or remove needles by hand; place immediately in a red, leakproof, puncture-proof biohazard container.

Five steps in the infectious disease process

Incubation, Prodromal, Acute, Declining, and Convalescent.

Prodromal stage

The stage of infection marked by the appearance of the first, often vague, symptoms.

Acute stage

The stage where symptoms are fully developed and the disease is at its peak.

Declining stage

The stage of infection where symptoms begin to subside.

Convalescent stage

The stage where the body recuperates and returns to original health.

Disinfection

A process by which disease-producing microorganisms or pathogens are killed using chemical or physical means (does not always destroy spores).

Medical asepsis

Cleansing techniques (such as handwashing and disinfecting) used to destroy microorganisms after they leave the body.

Sterilization indicators

Quality control devices used for autoclaving to register proper and complete sterilization.

Chain of infection Link 1

Infectious agent (broken by cleansing, disinfection, sterilization).

Chain of infection Link 2

Reservoir or source (broken by proper hygiene, clean supplies, equipment, and linen).

Chain of infection Link 3

Portal of exit from reservoir/source (broken by sterile dressings, isolation, covering mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing).

Chain of infection Link 4

Means of transmission (broken by handwashing, proper disposal of contaminated objects, medical/surgical asepsis, PPE).

Chain of infection Link 5

Portal of entry to host (broken by proper disposal of sharps, sterile technique, handwashing, PPE, skin integrity).

Chain of infection Link 6

Susceptible host (broken by a healthy lifestyle, intact immune system, exercise, immunization, proper nutrition, stress reduction).

Exercise defense mechanism

Promotes circulation and reduces stress.

Good eating habits defense mechanism

Keeps energy levels at a maximum.

Getting enough rest defense mechanism

Gives the body time to restore strength and vitality.

Hairlike cilia defense mechanism

Filters out invading pathogens.

Coughing and sneezing defense mechanism

Rids the body of invaders.

Tears, sweat, urine, and mucus defense mechanism

Wash pathogens from the body.

Hydrochloric acid defense mechanism

Discourages the growth of pathogens in the stomach.

Autoclave

A device that sterilizes instruments and medical supplies by using steam under pressure.