What I don't know

6. Etiology of Specific Diseases

Etiology = the cause of a disease

E. coli

• Type: Bacteria

• Found normally in intestines

• Some strains cause food poisoning and UTIs

• Spread through contaminated food or water

Histoplasmosis

• Type: Fungal infection

• Found in soil with bird or bat droppings

• Spread by inhaling spores

• Affects the lungs

Pinworms

• Type: Parasite (helminth)

• Common in children

• Spread through fecal–oral route

• Causes anal itching, especially at night

Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Type: Virus

• Spread by airborne droplets or direct contact

• Causes itchy blister-like rash

• Highly contagious

9. Differences Between Parasites, Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi

Parasites

• Live on or inside a host

• Cause harm to the host

• Examples: worms, lice

• Treated with antiparasitic medications

Bacteria

• Single-celled organisms

• Can live independently

• Some are beneficial, others cause disease

• Treated with antibiotics

Viruses

• Not alive on their own

• Require a host cell to reproduce

• Antibiotics do NOT work

• Treated with antivirals or vaccines

Fungi

• Include yeasts and molds

• Thrive in warm, moist areas

• Cause infections like athlete’s foot

• Treated with antifungals

15. Transmission-Based Precautions

Droplet Precautions

• Diseases spread by coughing or sneezing

• Travel about 3–6 feet

• PPE: Surgical mask

• Examples: Influenza, mumps

Airborne Precautions

• Tiny particles remain in the air

• Can travel long distances

• PPE: N95 respirator

• Examples: TB, measles, chickenpox

Contact Precautions

• Spread by touching the patient or surfaces

• PPE: Gown and gloves

• Examples: MRSA, C. diff

16. Standard Precautions (All Patients)

Categories Include:

1. Hand hygiene – wash hands before and after patient contact

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves, gowns, masks when needed

3. Respiratory hygiene – cover coughs, masks for symptomatic patients

4. Sharps safety – never recap needles

5. Safe injection practices

6. Environmental cleaning

7. Proper waste disposal

Used with every patient, regardless of diagnosis.__

17. SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

What it is:

• A document that explains chemical hazards

Includes:

• Chemical ingredients

• Health risks

• Safe handling and storage

• First aid measures

• Spill cleanup procedures

Purpose:

• Protect healthcare workers

• Required by OSHA

18. Level of Disinfectant: Isopropyl Alcohol

• Intermediate-level disinfectant

• Kills:

  • Bacteria

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis

  • Most viruses

• Does NOT kill spores

• Commonly used for skin prep and equipment

19. Disinfectant of Choice for Healthcare Equipment

Bleach (Chlorine)

• Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi

• Effective against bloodborne pathogens

• Used for spills and equipment

EPA-approved hospital disinfectants are also acceptable

21. What Is a Respirator (PPE)?

• A tight-fitting mask

• Filters airborne particles

• Example: N95 respirator

• Requires fit-testing

• Used for airborne precautions

22. Disposal of Soiled Linen

1. Wear gloves

2. Do NOT shake linen

3. Hold away from body

4. Place in designated laundry bag

5. Remove gloves and wash hands

Purpose: Prevent spread of microorganisms

Vector

• Living organism that transmits disease

• Example: mosquito

Fomite

• Non-living object that carries pathogens

• Example: doorknob, stethoscope

Exudate

• Fluid from wounds or infection

• Contains pus, blood, or clear fluid

24. MRSA

• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

• Bacterial infection resistant to many antibiotics

• Spread by direct contact

• Requires contact precautions

• Common in hospital

Cocci

round (grapes or chains)

Bacillus

rod-shaped

Spirillum

spiral

Vibrio

comma-shaped

Mumps

• Viral infection

• Swollen salivary glands

• Fever, headache

Rubella

• Viral

• Mild rash and fever

• Dangerous during pregnancy

Measles

• Highly contagious virus

• High fever, cough, rash

• Koplik spots in mouth

Influenza

• Viral respiratory illness

• Fever, body aches, cough

Chickenpox (Varicella)

• Viral

• Itchy blisters in stages

• Spread by air and contact

Normal vs Abnormal Vital Signs (Adults)

• Temperature: 97.8–99.1°F

• Pulse: 60–100 bpm

• Respirations: 12–20/min

• BP: <120/80 normal

Vital signs Newborn (Birth–1 month)

• Heart Rate (Pulse): 120–160 bpm

• Respirations: 30–60/min

• Blood Pressure: ~65–85 / 45–55 mmHg

• Temperature: ~97.7–99.5°F (36.5–37.5°C)

Infant (1 month–1 year)

• Heart Rate: 100–160 bpm

• Respirations: 30–50/min

• Blood Pressure: ~70–100 / 50–65

• Temperature: Same as adults

Toddler (1–3 years)

• Heart Rate: 90–140 bpm

• Respirations: 24–40/min

• Blood Pressure: ~80–110 / 55–70

Preschool (3–5 years)

• Heart Rate: 80–120 bpm

• Respirations: 22–34/min

• Blood Pressure: ~85–115 / 55–75

School-Age (6–12 years)

• Heart Rate: 70–110 bpm

• Respirations: 18–30/min

• Blood Pressure: ~90–120 / 60–75

Adolescent (13–17 years)

• Heart Rate: 60–100 bpm

• Respirations: 12–20/min

• Blood Pressure: ~110–120 / 65–80

ELDERLY (65 years and older)

• Heart Rate: 60–100 bpm

  • May be slightly lower due to medications (e.g., beta blockers)

• Respirations: 12–20/min

  • May be shallow

• Blood Pressure:

  • Often higher systolic (e.g., 130–140 systolic)

  • Orthostatic hypotension is common

• Temperature:

  • Often lower baseline (96.8–98.2°F)

  • Fever may be absent even with infection

30. Contraindications When Taking Vital Signs

Do NOT take BP on:

• Arm with mastectomy

• IV line

• Dialysis fistula

• Injury or paralysis

• Infection or burn

Reason:

• Risk of lymphedema, inaccurate readings, or injury

Underweight

• BMI: Less than 18.5

Normal (Healthy Weight)

• BMI: 18.5 – 24.9

Overweight

• BMI: 25.0 – 29.9

Obesity – Class I

• BMI: 30.0 – 34.9

Obesity – Class II

• BMI: 35.0 – 39.9

Obesity – Class III (Morbid Obesity)

• BMI: 40.0 or higher