Module 1: Health Assessment/Infection Control

Symptom

What the patient feels/communicates (subjective).

Sign

Clinical findings collected during the physical assessment by the nurse (objective).

Chain of infection

Infectious agent → Source of infection → Portal of exit → Mode of transmission → Portal of entry → Susceptible host

Normal flora

Microorganisms that live in/on the body but don’t cause disease. 1st line of defense against infection; inhibits pathogenic microorganisms from colonizing a healthy person.

Inflammatory response

Local response to cellular injury/infection. 2nd line of defense against infection.IN

Innate immunity

Provides immediate defense against foreign antigens.

Adaptive immunity

Provides longer-lasting immunity when the body is exposed to an antigen (humoral immunity, cellular immunity, immunologic memory).

Integumentary as a defense

The skin is an impermeable barrier to the most infectious microorganisms.

Respiratory system as a defense

Contains cilia and mucus, which trap and move foreign bodies.

Gastrointestinal system as a defense

Flora and low pH of GI tract prevent pathogens from colonizing.

1st link in the chain of infection

Infectious agent: Any pathogen that carries the infection in the chain (i.e., bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites).

2nd link in the chain of infection

Source of infection: the reservoir or host where the infection resides (person 1 in scenario of spread).

3rd link in the chain of infection

Portal of exit: the path/route by which the infection leaves its source. (i.e., coughing because of a respiratory infection). (Leaving person 1 in scenario of spread).

4th link in the chain of infection

Mode of transmission: How the infection is transmitted from person to person (contact, airborne, vehicle, droplet).

5th link in the chain of infection

Portal of entry: the path/route by which the infection enters a new susceptible host (person 2 in scenario of spread).

6th link in the chain of infection

Susceptible host: the person who lacks resistance/immunity to the infection and is therefore at risk of contracting the infection.

Blood-borne pathogens

Hep B and Hep C viruses, HIV, systemic infection

Localized infection

Infection that affects one specific part of the body.

Systemic infection

Infection that spreads through the bloodstream, affecting the entire body.

HAIs

Healthcare-associated infections: Infections acquired in a health care facility. Normally cause prolonged recovery and increased costs. (i.e., being admitted to a hospital for an LHF and contracting COVID during your stay).

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment: gloves, mask, goggles, face shields, gown, cap, shoe coverings

Order of PPE assembly

1. Hand hygiene!!!

2. gown

3. mask

4. face shield/goggles

5. gloves

Order of PPE removal

1. GLOVES

2. face shield/goggles

3. gown

4. mask

5. Hand hygiene!!!

Medical asepsis

Clean technique: handwashing, wearing gloves, gowning, disinfecting

Surgical asepsis

Sterile technique: used for dressing changes, wound care, surgical procedures, invasive procedures (i.e., catheterization), and procedures that invade bloodstream/break skin.

Contact mode of transmission

Germs spread when an infected host or a contaminated object that the infection came in contact with touches a susceptible host.

Droplet mode of transmission

Droplets can be generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They are large respiratory droplets that move through the air briefly and make contact with a susceptible host.

Airborne mode of transmission

Tiny infectious particles released by an infected person stay suspended in the air and are inhaled by others. Patients with an airborne-transmitted disease are isolated in a negative-pressure room. N95 mask and full PPE are required.

Vehicle mode of transmission

Non-living materials (i.e., food, water, biological products) carry pathogens from a source to a new host.