The Chain of Infection - hand hygiene and infection control

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the chain of infection, including definitions and preventive measures.

second step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop

reservoir

what is the first step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop?

infectious agent

Infectious Agent

Pathogen (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi) that can cause disease.

Reservoir

A permanent habitat where an infectious agent can survive, grow, and multiply/person not feeling well housing the micro-organism

Portal of Exit

The path by which an infectious agent leaves its host, such as skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract/coughing or sneezing etc

Mode of Transmission

The method by which an infectious agent is transferred from one host to another, including contact, droplet, airborne, vehicles, and vector/shaking hands after coughing

Portal of Entry

The path through which an infectious agent enters a susceptible host, similar to the portal of exit/lift hand to face

Susceptible Host

An individual who is at risk of infection due to factors such as age, immune status, and underlying health conditions

What does PPE do?

protect healthcare workers and patients from the spread of infection

What is hand hygiene?

The practice of cleaning hands to remove dirt, germs, and contaminants which is critical in preventing infection.

What is the first moment of hand hygiene?

Before patient contact.

What does PPE stand for?

personal protective equipment

what is the fifth step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop?

portal of entry

what is the fourth step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop?

mode of transmission

what is the third step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop?

portal of exit from reservoir

what is the sixth step in the chain of infection for an infection to develop?

susceptible host

how is the chain of infection broken for the infectious agent?

• hand hygiene

• sterilisation

• antibiotics/antimicrobials

how is the chain of infection broken for the reservoir?

• transmission-based precautions

• sterilisation

• use of disposable supplies

how is the chain of infection broken for the portal of exit?

• dry intact dressing

• hand hygiene

• wear gloves if contact with body fluids

• cover nose and mouth when sneezing/coughing

how is the chain of infection broken for the mode of transmission?

• hand hygiene

• use pesticides to eliminate vectors

• adequate refrigeration

how is the chain of infection broken for the portals of entry?

• hand hygiene

• wear gloves

• use masks and PPE

• proper disposal of sharps/needles

how is the chain of infection broken for the susceptible host?

• immunisations

• screen healthcare staff

What is the first moment of hand hygiene?

Before patient contact.

What is the second moment of hand hygiene?

Before a procedure.

What is the third moment of hand hygiene?

After exposure to body fluids.

What is the fourth moment of hand hygiene?

After patient contact.

What is the fifth moment of hand hygiene?

After contact with patient surroundings.