Asepsis & Infection control -pptx (1)

Asepsis

Asepsis

A state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms.

Infection Control

Practices and procedures implemented to prevent the spread of infections.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease.

Infection Cycle

The process involving infectious agents, reservoirs, portals of exit, means of transmission, portals of entry, and susceptible hosts.

Infectious Agent

Germs such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause infections.

Reservoir

The natural habitat where microorganisms grow and multiply.

Portal of Exit

The point from which the organism leaves the reservoir.

Means of Transmission

Routes through which organisms are spread, including direct, indirect, and airborne transmission.

Portal of Entry

The point at which organisms enter a new host.

Susceptible Host

An individual who is at risk of getting infected by a pathogen.

Stages of Infection

The phases an infection progresses through, including incubation period, prodromal stage, full stage of illness, and convalescent period.

Normal Flora

Microorganisms that reside in a specific site and do not cause disease under normal circumstances.

Inflammatory Response

The body's protective mechanism against invading pathogens.

Immune Response

Specific body responses to foreign proteins or harmful substances to defend against infections.

Factors Affecting the Risk for Infection

Various factors influencing susceptibility to infections, such as skin integrity, white blood cell count, age, sex, immunizations, health status, stress level, and medical device use.

Age-related Changes

Physiological alterations that occur in the body as a person grows older, making them more susceptible to certain health issues.

Nursing Strategies

Specific actions and interventions implemented by nurses to address health concerns and promote well-being in patients.

Pulmonary Infections

Infections affecting the lungs, which can be influenced by factors like decreased cough reflex and lung elasticity in older individuals.

Urinary Tract Infections

Infections involving the urinary system, characterized by incomplete bladder emptying and reduced sphincter control in aging individuals.

Skin Infections

Infections affecting the skin, often influenced by factors like increased dryness and thinning of the epidermis in older adults.

Nursing Process for Infection Prevention and Control

The systematic approach healthcare practitioners follow to protect individuals from diseases and prevent the spread of infections.

Laboratory Data Indicating an Infection

Various indicators in laboratory tests that suggest the presence of an infection, such as elevated white blood cell count and specific cell type changes.

Medical Asepsis

Practices aimed at reducing the transfer of pathogens and preventing infections, including procedures like hand hygiene and proper PPE use.

Surgical Asepsis

Techniques used to keep objects and areas free from microorganisms, crucial during invasive procedures like catheter insertions.

Hand Hygiene

Essential practice to prevent the spread of infectious agents, involving specific moments for handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand rubs.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI)

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, which can be prevented through proper hygiene practices and infection control measures.

Sterilizing

The process of destroying all microorganisms, including spores, to prevent infection and disease.

Disinfecting

The process of destroying pathogenic organisms except spores to reduce the risk of infection.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye gear provided to healthcare workers to minimize exposure to infectious materials.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The leading national public health institute in the United States, focused on preventing disease, injury, and disability.

Standard Precautions

Precautions applied in the care of all hospitalized individuals to prevent the spread of infections, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Transmission-based Precautions

Additional precautions used for patients with suspected infections that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or contact routes.