Infectious Processes & Alterations in Oxygenation

Infectious Processes & Alterations in Oxygenation

Pure Calling and Dedication to Nursing

• Emphasis on the core values associated with nursing practice:
    - Pure Calling
    - Pure Dedication
    - Pure Excellence
    - Pure Compassion

Institutional Affiliation

• Galen College of Nursing
    - Course: NSG 3280 Pathophysiology I

Review of Infectious Processes

• Overview of infectious processes relevant to nursing.

Chain of Transmission of Infection

• Components of infection transmission:
    1. Reservoir: Where pathogens are maintained.
    2. Portal of Exit: The route through which pathogens leave the reservoir.
    3. Mode of Transmission: How pathogens are spread (direct contact, airborne, etc.).
    4. Portal of Entry: The route through which pathogens enter a new host.
    5. Susceptible Victim: The host who is at risk of infection.

Diagram Representation

• Visual diagram representing the Chain of Transmission with the following arrangement:
    - Reservoir → Portal of Exit → Mode of Transmission → Portal of Entry → Susceptible Victim

Breaking the Chain of Transmission

• Strategies to break the chain include:
    - Destroying Reservoirs:
      - Mosquito eradication
      - Garbage disposal
      - Sewage treatment
  
    - Blocking Portals of Exit:
      - Use of masks
      - Sterile techniques
      - Body substance isolation
      - Hand washing
      - Thorough cooking of food
  
    - Blocking Modes of Transmission:
      - Use of masks
      - Glove usage
      - Condom application
  
    - Reducing Victim's Susceptibility:
      - Vaccination
      - Optimal rest
      - Optimal nutrition
      - Use of gloves
      - Isolation practices
      - Condom usage

Types of Pathogens (1 of 2)

• Bacteria:
    - Single-celled organisms characterized by:
      - Shape: cocci, rods, spirals
      - Reaction to stains: positive (+) or negative (−), acid-fast
      - Oxygen requirements: aerobic or anaerobic
  
    - Viruses:
      - Composed of small pieces of genetic material (DNA or RNA) associated with proteins and lipids.
      - Examples:
        - Mycoplasma pneumoniae → atypical pneumonia
        - Rickettsia rickettsii → Rocky Mountain Fever
        - Chlamydia → intracellular parasites
        - HIV retrovirus: commandeers host cell enzymes for reproduction.
  
    - Description of viral reproduction process in host cells:
      1. Viruses enter the nucleus and produce messenger RNA (mRNA) using host cell machinery.
      2. Viral proteins are formed from this mRNA, leading to new virus assembly in the host cell.
      3. RNA viruses replicate in the cytoplasm, producing mRNA that gets translated into proteins and genomic RNA for new virus formation.

Types of Pathogens (2 of 2)

• Fungi:
    - Eukaryotic microorganisms with complex structures and thick cell walls.
    - Can cause superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic infections.

• Parasites:
    - Establish themselves within another organism, benefiting from the host.
    - Examples:
      - Candida: can become pathogenic if normal flora is disrupted, especially in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., AIDS, leukemia).
    - Infections caused by fungi: referred to as "mycotic infections" or "mycoses."

Interactions of Host, Microbe, and Environment

• Host Factors:
    - Mechanical barriers (skin, mucus)
    - Phagocytes and biochemical mediators (e.g., lysozyme)
    - Health status (acute/chronic illnesses, nutritional status)
    - Environmental factors affecting exposure and infection risk:
      - Sanitation and hygiene
      - Age and social behaviors
      - Quality of water and air

Barriers & Responses

• Physical and Mechanical:
    - Skin, mucous membranes, cilia in respiratory tract.

• Biochemical:
    - Secretions that contain enzymes and antimicrobial substances.

Host Characteristics Affecting Infections

• Importance of individual factors in infection susceptibility:
    - Immunization status
    - Hygienic practices
    - Chronic illnesses and impaired immune function
    - Nutritional status and physical education

Biochemical and Mechanical Barriers

• Examples of barriers to infection:
    - Biochemical:
      - Lysozyme present in most secretions, including saliva
      - Mucus production
      - Secretions from sebaceous glands
      - Acidic environment in the stomach
  
    - Anatomic:
      - Resident flora in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina
      - Prostatic secretions

References

• Banasik, J. L. (2022). Pathophysiology (7th ed.). Elsevier.