Infection Control

Definition of disease

Any sustained, harmful alteration of the normal structure, function, or metabolism of an organism or cell.

What is a microorganism

Harmless microscopic organisms seen only by a microscope.

What is the difference between pathogens and normal flora

Pathogens: microorganisms that cause disease
Normal flora: harmless microorganisms

5 main types of pathogens

• Bacteria (strep throat)

• Rickettsia (lice)

• Fungus (athletes foot)

• Virus (common cold)

• Parasite (malaria)

Explain the links that make up the chain of infection

Agent: Germs
Reservoir: Where germs live
Portal of exit: how germs get out (open wounds)
Mode of transmission: Germs get around
Portal of entry: how germs get in
Susceptible host: next sick person

What are hosts?

Any organism that harbors, nourishes, or is infected. Could be a reservoir or susceptible.

What are the two types of transmission and provide examples.

Direct: Contact with an infected person (kissing)
Indirect: Droplets from cough/sneeze

Describe the types of infection

Acute: host cell dies within hours/days (Common cold)
Chronic: Disease present for long period of time (high BP)
Latent: Persistent infection, symptoms/virus come and go (cold sore)
Slow: Disease progress over long period of time (HIV)

Describe the symptoms of inflammation

Heat, redness, swelling, pain

Describe the stages of disease

Incubation (silent): period exposure to symptoms
Prodromal: start of disease
Acute: symptoms peak
Declining: deterioration
Convalescent: recovery

What are the two main things that prevent asepsis control.

Hands and hair

What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?

Medical: Organisms destroyed AFTER they leave our body/host
Surgical: Organisms destroyed BEFORE they enter body

What does PPE stand for and list some examples.

Personal Protective Equipment
- Gloves, masks, eye protection, gown, hair cover

Define and describe the 3 steps to achieve asepsis.

State of being free from all pathogenic microorganisms
Sanitize, disinfect, sterilize

What are three components needed to achieve sterilization in an autoclave?

1. Pressure
2. Temperature
3. Time

Different types of diseases

Chicken pox, mumps, meningitis, measles

How should autoclaved packs be stored?

in a clean, dry, cool, well ventilated closed dedicated storage container or cabinet.