Communicable Diseases and Precautions Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering capsular organisms, high-risk populations for asplenia, airborne precaution protocols (AIR S MTV), Measles symptoms, and TB medication (RIPE) side effects and monitoring.

What are the $3$ capsular organisms that patients with sickle cell or asplenia must be concerned about?

Niesseria Meningitis, Streptococcus Pneumonia, and Hemophilus Influenza Type B.

Which specific patient populations are in the most danger for diseases caused by gram $-ve$ capsular organisms?

Someone that has Sickle cell or someone who has no spleen (asplenia) due to causes like infectious mononucleosis with spleen Rupture or an MVA.

What mnemonic is used to remember airborne precautions and which diseases does it include?

AIR S MTV: Air, S - Disseminated Shingles, M - Measles, T - Tuberculosis, V - Varicella.

What PPE and environmental requirements are necessary for airborne precautions?

$N95$ mask, contact precautions, negative pressure room, and the door must be kept closed.

What precaution must be taken when moving a patient who is on airborne precautions?

Put a surgical mask on them.

What precautions are required for a patient with Disseminated Shingles?

Contact + airborne precautions due to open lesions and smaller particles transmitted through the air.

What are the "C" signs and symptoms of Measles?

Coryza (inflammation of the nostrils), Conjunctivitis (eye irritation), Cough, and Koplik spots inside the mouth.

What is the specific Vitamin treatment mentioned for Measles?

Vitamin A.

What does the acronym RIPE stand for in the treatment of TB?

R - Rifampin, I - Isoniazid (INH), P - Pyrazinamide, E - Ethambutol.

What are the expected side effects of the medication Rifampin?

Red Pee, tears, and Sweats; the patient should not wear contact lenses.

What organ toxicity is associated with Isoniazid (INH) and how is it monitored?

Hepatotoxicity; monitor LFTs (liver function tests) instead of BUN/Cr.

What condition can Isoniazid (INH) cause that is also seen in Diabetes and PAD, and what treatment is given?

Peripheral neuropathy; Treated with Vitamin $B6$ (Pyridoxine).

What education should be provided to a patient regarding "NEEDS" while taking Isoniazid (INH)?

Do not take any Alcohol + Drugs.

What is a significant, irreversible side effect of Ethambutol?

Eye (E) damage.

When is a patient with Varicella (chicken pox) no longer considered contagious?

Until the last lesion is crusted over.

What is the vaccine schedule for Varicella?

The vaccine is given at $1$ year and then again at $4-6$ yrs old.

Why must the Varicella vaccine be used cautiously near pregnant or immunocompromised individuals?

Because it is a live vaccine.