24 Questions
How is a nosocomial infection defined?
An infection acquired in a hospital or other healthcare facility
What are the possible sources of nosocomial infection?
Contaminated equipment, bed linens, or air droplets
Why is an infection still considered nosocomial if it originates from the patient's own skin?
Because it develops in the healthcare setting
What is the characteristic of nosocomial infection in relation to the patient's admission?
It tends to lack evidence that it was present when the patient entered the healthcare setting
What is the main difference between sterilization and sanitation?
Sterilization kills all microorganisms on equipment and surfaces, while sanitation only reduces their numbers.
What is the primary purpose of isolation in hospitals?
Preventing transmission of microorganisms by common routes.
What is the significance of handwashing in infection control?
It is the single most important measure to reduce the risks of transmitting skin microorganisms.
What is the main concern related to healthcare workers' hand contamination?
Spread of nosocomial infections among immunocompromised patients.
What are the two categories of micro-organisms that can be present on health care workers' hands?
Transient flora and resident flora.
How does the use of antibiotics in patients relate to the emergence of resistant strains?
Antibiotics may increase the selection pressure for the emergence of resistant strains.
What does sterilization achieve that sanitation does not?
Kills all microorganisms on equipment and surfaces.
What is the primary reason for conducting correct hand-hygiene procedures?
To overcome the problem of health care workers' hand contamination.
What is the estimated number of deaths caused by healthcare-associated infections in the US in 2002?
99,000
Which type of infections account for two-thirds of the estimated deaths in Europe each year?
Gram-negative infections
What is one of the most effective ways to combat nosocomial infections?
Thorough hand washing and/or use of alcohol rubs
What is the estimated number of patients affected by hospital-acquired infections in the UK in 2017?
300,000
What can reduce hospital-acquired infections related to in-dwelling catheters?
Intravascular antimicrobial lock therapy
What influences patient susceptibility to hospital-acquired infections?
Immunosuppressive medications
What type of infections are included in device-associated infections?
Urinary tract infections
What did Maryland implement to reduce hospital-acquired infections?
Maryland Hospital-Acquired Conditions Program
What is one of the modern methods used to sanitize surfaces effectively against various pathogens?
Non-flammable Alcohol Vapor in Carbon Dioxide systems
What may be used to disinfect the rooms of patients infected with specific pathogens after discharge?
Ultraviolet cleaning devices
What is the estimated cost of hospital-acquired infections to the NHS in the UK per year?
£1 billion
What can reduce infections related to in-dwelling catheters?
Intravascular antimicrobial lock therapy
Study Notes
Hospital-Acquired Infections: Causes, Effects, and Prevention
- In the US, roughly 1.7 million healthcare-associated infections caused or contributed to 99,000 deaths in 2002
- In Europe, gram-negative infections account for two-thirds of the estimated 25,000 deaths each year
- Hospital-acquired infections can cause severe pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and display antimicrobial resistance
- In the UK, about 300,000 patients were affected in 2017, costing the NHS about £1 billion a year
- In-dwelling catheters have been identified with hospital-acquired infections and intravascular antimicrobial lock therapy can reduce infections
- Patient susceptibility to hospital-acquired infection is influenced by factors such as immunosuppressive medications, impaired immunity, and presence of indwelling devices
- Device-associated infections include ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and device-associated ventriculitis
- Controlling nosocomial infection involves implementing quality assurance/quality control measures and evidence-based management
- Maryland implemented the Maryland Hospital-Acquired Conditions Program, providing financial rewards and penalties for individual hospitals to reduce hospital-acquired infections
- Thorough hand washing and/or use of alcohol rubs by medical personnel is one of the most effective ways to combat nosocomial infections
- Sanitizing surfaces using modern methods such as Non-flammable Alcohol Vapor in Carbon Dioxide systems and hydrogen peroxide vapor has been effective against various pathogens
- Ultraviolet cleaning devices may be used to disinfect the rooms of patients infected with specific pathogens after discharge
Test your knowledge about hospital-acquired infections with this quiz. Explore the causes, effects, and prevention methods for healthcare-associated infections, including the impact on patients and healthcare systems. Learn about measures such as hand hygiene, surface sanitization, and evidence-based management to control and reduce nosocomial infections.
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