Fundamentals of Nursing: Infection Control, Healthcare Systems, Ethics, and Law

Practice flashcards covering infection control protocols, the healthcare delivery system, nursing ethics, legal terms, and immunity types based on Fundamentals lecture notes.

Standard Precautions

Infection control measures that apply to ALL patients, ALL the time, to prevent the spread of disease.

Chain of Infection

A sequence consisting of: Infectious Agent - Reservoir - Portal of Exit - Mode of Transmission - Portal of Entry - Susceptible Host.

Reservoir

The area where a pathogen can grow, such as humans, animals, or food.

Donning Order (PPE)

The specific order for putting on PPE: 1. Gown, 2. Mask or respirator, 3. Goggles or face shield, 4. Gloves.

Doffing Order (PPE)

The specific order for taking off PPE: 1. Gloves, 2. Goggles or face shield, 3. Gown, 4. Mask.

5 Moments of Hand Hygiene

1. Before touching a patient, 2. Before clean/aseptic procedure, 3. After body fluid exposure risk, 4. After touching a patient, 5. After touching patient surroundings.

Cleaning

The process of removing dirt and germs using soap and water or detergent, which does NOT kill all microorganisms.

Disinfection

The process of killing most germs on surfaces using EPA-approved disinfectants.

Contact Precautions

Used for pathogens spread through direct or indirect contact (e.g., MRSA, C. diff); requires a private room, gown, and gloves.

Droplet Precautions

Used for pathogens passed through respiratory secretions (e.g., Flu, Pertussis); requires a mask when within $3\,feet$ of the patient and the door should remain closed.

Airborne Precautions

Used for pathogens passed through air transmission (e.g., TB, Measles); requires an N95 respirator and a private negative pressure room with the door closed.

Primary Level of Care

Healthcare focused on health prevention and promotion.

Secondary Level of Care

Healthcare focused on early detection and intervention.

Tertiary Level of Care

Healthcare focused on restorative and rehabilitative care.

The Joint Commission

A regulatory organization that sets quality and safety standards for healthcare facilities to receive and maintain accreditation.

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

Protects employees by setting requirements for employers to provide safe work conditions.

Nurse Practice Acts

Laws that govern the scope of nursing practice in a state or territory, setting minimal educational requirements and violations for disciplinary action.

Beneficence

The ethical principle of doing good.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical principle of doing no harm.

Autonomy

The right of a patient to make their own decisions.

Veracity

The ethical principle of telling the truth.

Justice

The ethical principle of distributing care equally and fairly.

Fidelity

The ethical principle of keeping promises.

Informed Consent

Written permission from a patient for a healthcare procedure where the nurse serves as a witness to the signature.

Negligence

Failure to fulfill nursing responsibilities, which puts the patient at risk for harm.

Malpractice

Failure to perform duties that results in actual harm to the patient.

Assault

Verbal or implied threats against a patient.

Battery

Physical contact with a patient that causes injury.

False Imprisonment

Restraining a patient against their will without justification or a provider's order.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act)

Legislation that acts to protect a patient's private health information.

CAUTI

Acronym for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

CLABSI

Acronym for Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection.

Innate Immunity

The first line of defense immunity that a person is born with.

Adaptive (Acquired) Immunity

The second line of defense immunity developed after being exposed to diseases or receiving vaccinations.

Active Artificial Immunity

A type of adaptive immunity where the body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.

Incubation Period

The time between the entry of an infectious agent into the host and the onset of symptoms.

Prodromal Stage

The stage where a person is most infectious, characterized by vague and non-specific symptoms.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as clean technique; it involves procedures to reduce the number of pathogens, such as in medication administration or daily hygiene.

Surgical Asepsis

Also known as sterile technique; it eliminates all pathogens and is used in dressing changes, catheterizations, and surgical procedures.