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Which of the following best describes an antimicrobial resistant organism (ARO)?
What is the initial link in the chain of infection?
Which practice is a part of surgical asepsis?
Why is breaking the chain of infection important in healthcare settings?
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Which factor increases the likelihood of clients developing healthcare associated infections (HAIs)?
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What precaution should be taken for infections caused by microbes transmitted through airborne droplets?
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Which of the following infections is NOT typically transmitted via droplets?
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Which psychological implication may arise from the isolation precautions?
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What is a recommended action for nursing staff to improve sensory stimulation for isolated patients?
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What should be worn when within 2 meters of a patient with droplet-transmitted infections?
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What is the primary objective of medical asepsis?
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Which of the following is considered a reservoir for pathogens?
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What is the purpose of breaking the chain of infection?
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Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for pathogens?
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Which body openings can serve as portals of exit for pathogens?
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What technique is primarily used to eliminate all microorganisms, including spores, from an object?
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What is the most important step in limiting the spread of infection?
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Which of the following is an example of a portal of entry for pathogens?
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What can limit the opportunities for microorganisms to enter the body?
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Which of the following factors can affect an individual's susceptibility to infections?
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What are Health Care Associated Infections (HAIs)?
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Which practice is essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment?
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Which option is NOT a component of Routine Practices in healthcare?
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What is a common issue addressed by Routine Practices?
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What is the role of mask fit testing in infection control?
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What should be prioritized to maintain the integrity of a patient's skin?
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Study Notes
Chain of Infection
- The chain of infection is made up of six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
- Infections occur when all six links in the chain are present and occur in that order.
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Infectious Agent:
- Resident microorganisms are normal flora that live on the body (skin, mouth, intestines).
- Transient microorganisms are picked up from the environment and can be pathogens.
- Breaking the chain at this link involves controlling or eliminating microorganisms through cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.
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Reservoir:
- A site where pathogens can survive, may or may not multiply.
- The human body is the most common reservoir.
- Breaking the chain at this link involves eliminating or controlling sources of infectious waste, and properly discarding contaminated articles.
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Portal of Exit:
- The path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir.
- Includes body openings, breaks in the skin, or mucous membranes.
- Breaking the chain at this link involves preventing organisms from leaving the body, and using protective clothing when handling contaminated substances.
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Mode of Transmission:
- The route the pathogen travels from the reservoir to a host.
- Routes include:
- Direct contact (person-to-person)
- Indirect contact (through an object)
- Droplet transmission (through respiratory droplets)
- Airborne transmission (through air)
- Vehicle transmission (through contaminated food, water, blood)
- Vectorborne transmission (through insects or animals)
- Breaking the chain at this link involves limiting ways microorganisms can be carried from objects or people to others. Hand hygiene!
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Portal of Entry:
- The path through which the pathogen can enter the body.
- Includes body openings, mucous membranes, and breaks in the skin.
- Breaking the chain at this link involves limiting opportunities for microorganisms to enter the body. Similar to controlling the portals of exit.
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Susceptible Host:
- An individual at risk - client, staff, or visitors.
- Susceptibility is the degree of resistance to a pathogen which may be dependent on age, illness, and defense mechanisms.
- Consider the virulence of the organism.
- Breaking the chain at this link involves maintaining patient skin and mucous membrane integrity, keeping up with an immunization schedule, ensuring adequate fluid intake and nutrition, using regular oral hygiene, bathing and lubricating skin.
Asepsis
- Asepsis is the process for keeping away disease-producing microorganisms
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Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique):
- Procedures used to reduce and prevent the spread of microorganisms.
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Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique):
- Procedures used to eliminate all microorganisms, including pathogens and spores, from an object or area.
Health Care Associated Infections (HAIs)
- Infections people get while receiving health care for another condition.
- HAIs can happen in any healthcare facility, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and long-term care facilities.
- Common HAIs include antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Routine Practices (Tier I)
- Involve the appropriate use of gowns, gloves, masks, eye wear, and other protective devices or clothing.
- Include rules on appropriate handwashing, cleaning of equipment, and disposal of contaminated linen and sharps.
- All clients have the potential to spread microorganisms, so routine practices are used for every client.
Additional Precautions (Tier II)
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Contact Precautions:
- Known or suspected infections caused by direct or indirect contact (MRSA, C. difficile, major wound infections, GI, skin or respiratory infections).
- Private room or cohort clients, gloves, and gowns
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Droplet Precautions:
- Known or suspected infections caused by microbes transmitted in droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking (rubella, influenza, pertussis, mumps, diptheria, pneumonia - mycoplasmal & meningococcal).
- Private room or cohort clients, mask to be worn within 2 meters of clients.
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Airborne Precautions:
- Known or suspected infections caused by microbes transmitted by airborne droplets (measles, chickenpox (varicella), disseminated zoster (shingles), TB).
- Private room (door kept closed), negative pressure airflow, mask
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Psychological Implications of Isolation Precautions:
- Patients may become lonely and body image may become altered.
- Nurses need to improve patient sensory stimulation by promoting interactions, providing comfort measures, offering mobile opportunities within the room (as able), offering recreational activities tailored to the patient.
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Description
Explore the chain of infection, consisting of six crucial links that can lead to infections. This quiz delves into the definitions of each link and the methods to break the chain, including controlling sources of infection. Understanding these concepts is essential for effective infection prevention.
