RC Class Notes Week 2

Hospital Acquired Infections (AHI)

Definition: AHI, or nosocomial infections, are infections acquired in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or nursing homes.
Transmission: Can occur between patients, visitors, and healthcare providers due to the spread of germs by humans.
Health Protocols: Adhering to infection control protocols enhances protection for everyone involved in patient care.

Universal Precautions: Applied universally to all patients regardless of their diagnosis.
Gloves Usage: Always wear gloves when touching any patient, regardless of their apparent health status.
Face Shields and Goggles: Important for procedures close to patient airways, such as intubation, to shield against bodily fluids and droplets.
Body Fluids Awareness: Body fluids can come from various sources and are not limited to the waist down. A specific note on tracheostomy patients as their cough can be particularly hazardous.

Importance of Gloves: Gloves must be worn at all times to protect healthcare workers from exposure to pathogens.
Standard Precautions Origin: Standard precautions gained prominence during the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, as they help prevent the transmission of various diseases.
Skin Integrity: Healthcare workers with visible wounds or tattoos should cover them to prevent infection.

Ventilator Use: Condensation in ventilator tubing can be a contamination risk. Avoid placing tubing near the face.
Vent Tubing Changes: Tubing should be changed only when visibly soiled to prevent exposing patients to pathogens from the air.

Handwashing Protocol: Most critical in reducing the spread of infections. Minimum washing time is 15 seconds; sanitizers cannot replace handwashing.
Situations for Handwashing: Wash hands before and after patient contact, before handling equipment, and after any exposure to body fluids.
Nail Care: Long or artificial nails are discouraged as bacteria can accumulate underneath.

Patient Instructions: Patients with respiratory infections should cover their mouth/nose, use tissues, discard them promptly, and practice hand hygiene.
Distance Maintenance: Maintaining three feet distance from individuals displaying symptoms of respiratory illness.

Isolation Categories: Established for preventing transmission of infections that might spread through air, droplets, or contact with skin/surfaces.
Airborne Isolation Precautions: Required for patients with illnesses like TB, ensures the use of N95 masks or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR).
Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms: These should have negative pressure systems to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping.

Patient Equipment Assignment: Each patient should ideally have their dedicated equipment to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Cleaning Protocols: Reusable equipment like ventilators must be disinfected between patient uses.
Water Management: Discard any unused sterile water after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper PPE should correspond with the level of isolation necessary based on patient diagnosis and specific hospital protocols.
Caution with Non-Sterile Areas: Avoid using sterile items or equipment improperly to mitigate infection risk.
Education and Training: Ongoing training is crucial for all healthcare workers to ensure understanding and compliance with infection control policies.