Infection Control and Fire Safety Review

Infection Control and Safety Study Notes

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  • Standard Precautions: Precautionary guidelines established by OSHA and the CDC to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

  • Microbiology: The science that studies living organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

  • Anaerobic Microbes: Microbes that do not require oxygen for growth.

  • Aerobic Microbes: Microbes that do require oxygen for growth.

  • Product Labeling: Labels should be read at least three times before using a product.

  • Asepsis: Means free of disease-producing microorganisms.

  • Pathogen: A disease-producing microorganism.

  • Sharps Box: Empty sharps boxes when they are two-thirds full.

  • Fire Elements: The three elements needed to start a fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen (O₂).

  • Fire Containment: The best way to contain a fire is to close all windows and doors.

  • PASS Acronym: The acronym PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

  • RACE Acronym: The acronym RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish.

  • Autoclave: The instrument used to kill all microorganisms and their spores.

  • HEPA Mask: A HEPA mask is used for airborne precautions.

  • MRSA and VRE: Require contact precautions in addition to standard precautions.

  • Microscope: The instrument used to view microorganisms not visible to the naked eye.

  • Sepsis Technique: Surgical sepsis is also called sterile technique.

  • Fungus Example: The type of microorganism that causes ringworm is a fungus.

  • Nosocomial Infection: A nosocomial infection is a hospital-acquired infection.

  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Caused by obligate intracellular bacteria known as Rickettsiae.

  • Sterilization: The process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

  • Electrical Fires: The type of fire extinguisher used for electrical fires is a Class C extinguisher.

  • Combustible Metals: The type of fire extinguisher used on burning or combustible metals is a Class D extinguisher.

  • Common Combustibles: A Class A extinguisher is used on common combustibles.

Chain of Infection (6 Links)

  1. Infectious Agent: Pathogen that causes disease.

  2. Reservoir: Natural habitat where the pathogen lives (e.g., humans, animals).

  3. Portal of Exit: Path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir (e.g., respiratory tract).

  4. Mode of Transmission: Means by which the pathogen is transmitted to another host (e.g., direct contact, airborne).

  5. Portal of Entry: Route through which the pathogen enters the new host (e.g., mucous membranes).

  6. Susceptible Host: Individual who is at risk of infection due to compromised health.

Body Fluids

  • Blood

  • Urine

  • Feces

  • Vomit

  • Semen

  • Vaginal Secretions

  • Breast Milk

Nosocomial Infections

  • Definition: Infections acquired while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility.

  • Prevention: Utilize PPE, ensure hand hygiene, and implement safe waste disposal.

Safety Measures with Oxygen

  • Post no smoking signs.

  • Use “Oxygen in Use” signs.

  • Avoid flammable liquids (e.g., alcohol).

  • Avoid static electricity.

Identifying Patients

  • Methods:

    • Ask for their name.

    • Check the wristband.

Safety Checkpoints Before Leaving Patient's Room

  • Provide privacy for the patient.

  • Lower bed & place call light within reach.

  • Ensure side-rails are elevated.

Most Wanted Pathogen: Hantavirus

  • Details: Hantavirus is related to deer mice, and infection occurs through bites/scratches.

  • Symptoms: Fever, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure.

  • Mortality Rate: Approximately 30-60%.

Types of Injections and Administration

  1. Subcutaneous Injection:

    • Given at a 45° angle.

  2. Intramuscular Injection:

    • Given at a 90° angle.

  3. Intradermal Injection:

    • Given at an angle of 10° to 15°.

Modes of Transmission and PPE

  • Airborne:

    • Example: Tuberculosis

    • PPE: N-95 mask.

  • Contact:

    • Example: Hepatitis B

    • PPE: Standard precautions.

  • Droplet:

    • Example: Influenza

    • PPE: Mask.

Needle Safety

  • Handling and Disposal:

    • Always wear gloves.

    • Never recap needles.

    • Place used needles in sharps box.

    • Clean the injection area with alcohol.

Importance of Vaccines

  • Infection Control:

    • Vaccines train the body to respond to pathogens effectively by providing immunity against weaker strains of viruses.

Patient Safety Measures

  • Verifying Identity:

    • Critical for accurate patient care.

  • Methods for Verification:

    • Check wristband.

    • Ask the patient or family members.

Fire Safety Procedures

  • RACE Acronym:

    • Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.

  • PASS Acronym for Fire Extinguishers:

    • Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire.

Importance of Proper Spill Cleanup

  • Reasons for Cleaning:

    • Hazards from harmful components may be present.

    • Prevent risk of slips and falls.

Spill Scenarios and Responses

  1. Needle Safety Scenario:

    • Wear gloves, pick up the needle carefully, dispose of it in a sharps box.

  2. Patient Identification Scenario:

    • Greet the patient, check their wristband or ask their name to confirm identity.

  3. Fire Safety Scenario:

    • Remain calm, notify nearby workers, get a fire extinguisher, and aim at the base of the fire.

  4. Spill Cleanup Scenario:

    • If it’s water: Wear gloves, clean with a towel, and notify housekeeping.

    • If it’s blood: Notify housekeeping and staff of potential biohazard.