CLINICALS Infection Control and Safety

HAI

healthcare associated infection

pathogen

microorganism that can cause disease

reservoir

microorganisms natural environment

portal of exit

way pathogen gets out of reservoir

mode of transmission

how pathogen travels from reservoir to new host

portal of entry

way pathogen gets into new host

asepsis

absence of all pathogens

antisepsis

reduction of numbers and growth of microorganisms

autoclave

machine that sterilizes re-usable surgical instruments

standard

type of precautions that assume all patient's blood & body fluids are infected

transmission

type of precautions added to standard for certain diseases

contact

type of isolation used for patient with MRSA wound drainage

airborne

type of isolation that may require N95 mask

droplet

type of isolation that requires PPE if within 6 feet of infected patient

handwashing

most effective way to stop spread of infection

warm

temperature of water for handwashing

down

direction to point fingers when washing hands

RACE

acronym used for order of things to do for a fire

Blue

emergency code for a patient in cardiac arrest

Red

emergency code for a fire

Pink

emergency code for an abducted infant

Yellow

emergency code for a disaster (mass casualty)

Silver

emergency code for person with a weapon

Black

emergency code for tornado warning

yellow

color bracelet for patients who are a fall risk

purple

color bracelet for patients who are DNR

green

color bracelet for patients who have a latex allergy

red

color bracelet for patient who have a medication allergy

brakes

use whenever wheelchair is not in motion

right

try to walk on this side of a hospital hallway

call light

make sure patient can reach this before leaving room

low

make sure hospital bed is in this position before leaving room