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Chapter Overview: Infection Control, Safety, First Aid, and Personal Wellness

Objectives

• Terminology and Procedures: Understanding the terminology, precautions, and practices associated with infection control and identifying relevant agencies.

• OSHA Standards: Understanding the essential elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, and identifying related agencies.

• Laboratory Safety: Recognizing general laboratory safety rules and those applicable in patient areas.

• Hazard Recognition: Identifying hazards related to biological, chemical, electrical, fire, and radiation safety, alongside appropriate response actions for hazardous incidents.

• First Aid Symptoms: Recognizing symptoms requiring first aid and understanding AHA guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC).

• Personal Wellness: Describing the impact of nutrition, rest, exercise, stress management, and back protection on personal wellness.

Infection Control

Definition and Importance

• Infection: A condition marked by the invasion of microorganisms which multiply in the body and cause injury or disease.

• Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, with pathogens being specific microbes responsible for disease.

• Communicable infections can be transmitted from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oversees disease investigation and control.

Types of Infections

• Global Disease Spread:

  • Endemic: Diseases commonly found in specific areas.

  • Outbreak: A sudden rise in cases in a specific area.

  • Epidemic: Rapid spread affecting many individuals.

  • Pandemic: Widespread epidemic across multiple countries.

• Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs):

  • Nosocomial Infection: Infections acquired in hospitals.

  • Statistics: Roughly 1 in 31 hospital patients in the U.S. has an HAI, leading to significant healthcare-related costs.

Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

• Key bacteria types include Clostridioides difficile, MRSA, Enterococcus, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) among others.

Chain of Infection

Components of Infection Spread

1. Causative Agent: The pathogen responsible for the infection.

2. Reservoir: The environment which supports pathogen survival and growth, e.g., humans, animals, and equipment.

3. Exit Pathway: Routes through which the pathogen escapes the reservoir, such as through blood or secretions.

4. Means of Transmission: Infections spread through various pathways:

   • Airborne: Transmission through air.

   • Contact: Direct (person-to-person) or indirect (via infected objects).

   • Droplet: Via coughs or sneezes.

   • Vector: Carried by infected animals or insects.

5. Entry Pathway: How pathogens enter a susceptible host, including breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.

6. Susceptible Host: Individuals with diminished ability to resist infections due to factors like age or health status.

Breaking the Chain of Infection

• Implementing practices such as:

  • Hand hygiene

  • Vaccination

  • Decontamination procedures

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Disposal techniques for sharps and infectious waste

• Effective infection control programs involve monitoring infections and instituting necessary precautions during outbreaks.

Safety Precautions

Biosafety Considerations

• Biohazard: Any material that may pose a risk to health, identified using the biohazard symbol.

• Bloodborne Pathogens: Key pathogens of concern include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV—examples of precautions and exposure routes include vaccination, PPE, and reporting incidents.

Chemical Safety

• General Rules: Always wear PPE, avoid unsafe practices like indiscriminate mixing of chemicals, and maintain proper labeling of containers.

• Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard dictates labeling requirements, stating dangers and recommended safety measures.

Fire Safety Protocols

• Employees must be acquainted with evacuation routes, locations of emergency equipment, and components required for combustion (fuel, heat, oxygen).

• Understanding fire classes helps in employing appropriate extinguishing materials.

Electrical Safety and Emergency Procedures

• Knowledge of the correct procedures during an electric shock incident helps ensure safety and includes immediately shutting off electricity and providing CPR if necessary.

First Aid Essentials

Basic Procedures

• External Hemorrhage: Control bleeding with direct pressure; avoid tourniquets unless absolutely necessary.

• Shock Management: Maintain airways and a low position for the patient, keeping them warm while avoiding unnecessary movement.

• Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Be aware of sudden signs such as weakness or numbness particularly on one side, confusion, or trouble seeing.

CPR Guidelines

• Familiarity with American Heart Association guidelines is essential for effective CPR practices, covering proper techniques and rates for both adults and children.

• Hands-only CPR emphasizes immediate action when no pulse or breathing is detected, starting with calling emergency services followed by chest compressions.

Personal Wellness

Holistic Health Approach

• Addressing physical, emotional, and social needs alongside nutrition is vital for wellness.

• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced, plant-based diet avoiding overly processed foods; proper hydration and rest support overall health.

• Stress Management: Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on the immune system and physical health. Utilizing coping mechanisms is crucial for healthcare workers who face stressful environments.

Personal Care and Back Protection

• Proper hygiene practices include regular bathing and dental health routines. Recognizing the necessity of using correct lifting techniques can reduce the risk of back injuries in healthcare settings.