Exam Preparation Notes - Nosocomial Infections and Infection Control

Exam Logistics:

• Date: April 23, 09:30 - 11:30
• Log in for microphone and camera check by 09:40
• Visibility of the exam starting at 09:40, similar to past midterms
• Covers mostly lectures 8, 9, and 10; about 10% from lectures 1-7

Nosocomial Infections (Hospital-acquired infections):

• Definition: Infections not present or incubating at admission.
• Common types: urinary tract, respiratory.
• Skin as a protective barrier, susceptible after invasive procedures.
• Preventable vs. Non-preventable:
• Preventable: Hand hygiene, surgical counts, aseptic techniques.
• Non-preventable: Immunocompromised patients, severe injuries.

Perception in Healthcare:

• Trust based on appearance (e.g., professional dress).
• Factors impacting trust and perception among patients.

Transmission and Control Measures:

• Sources of nosocomial infections:
• Environment, person-to-person, endogenous infections.
• Efforts to control sources: Aseptic techniques, limiting entry of pathogens.
• Chain of Infection Components:
• Source (pathogen location)
• Route (how it spreads to the patient)
• Host (patient’s immune status, susceptibility)
• General Infection Control Strategies:
• Enhanced cleaning protocols.
• Use of PPE.
• Inform visitors of risks.

Universal Precautions (Routine Practices):

• Treat every patient as potentially infectious.
• Importance of hand hygiene and proper protective equipment.
• Name changes over time reflecting changes in practice.

Infection Sources in Hospitals:

• Vectors (living organisms, e.g., mosquitoes) vs. fomites (non-living objects)
• Examples of vectors discussed (mosquitoes, rats, even humans).

Cleaning Methods:

• Physical:
• Heat: Autoclaving, boiling, dry heat
• Radiation: Ultraviolet and gamma rays
• Filtration for sensitive liquids.
• Chemical:
• Importance of germicide concentration, contact time, temperature, and target pathogens.
• Fungal spores are more resistant than enveloped viruses.

Hand Hygiene Recommendations:

• Effective against transient flora but not resident flora.
• Alcohol-based sanitizers are 60-70% ethanol; require specific contact time.
• Handwashing must be thorough and take around 20 seconds; avoid using alcohol-based sanitizers after food, as they do not remove allergens.
• Emollients in sanitizers can trap bacteria if overused.

General Hygiene Practices:

• Awareness of how bacteria transfer through skin, clothing, and washing practices.
• Study findings show large gaps in proper hand hygiene compliance.

Study Strategies for Success:

• Explore various learning methods (visual, auditory, etc.).
• Highlight importance of understanding concepts before memorization, inclusive of systemic immune responses.
• Analyze study habits, including group studies and pacing techniques (e.g., Pomodoro).
• Regularly self-assess and adjust study strategies to aid retention and comprehension.

Understanding Complex Topics:

• Emphasize the need for clear mind maps to visualize interconnectedness of material.

Final Advice for Exam Preparation:

• Engage in practices that minimize fatigue, promote regular review across multiple subjects, and maintain a balance between study and lifestyle.
• Approach the exam with confidence from adequate preparation and understanding of infection control and prevention strategies.