Infection Control and Asepsis Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a chronic infection?

It occurs rapidly and is short-lived.

It may last for months or years. (correct)

It always causes noticeable symptoms.

It only affects young children.

What defines a carrier in infectious disease terminology?

A person showing strong signs of infection.

A reservoir that does not show signs of disease. (correct)

A person who has recovered from an infection.

An individual who is free from any infections.

What distinguishes sepsis from septicemia?

Septicemia refers to localized infections.

Septicemia is a life-threatening condition.

Sepsis is a systemic response to an infection. (correct)

Sepsis occurs without any infection.

How can a nosocomial infection be classified?

It develops within 48 hours of admission. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common factor contributing to the spread of nosocomial infections?

Inadequate hand hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

What type of asepsis involves procedures designed to eliminate microbes?

Surgical asepsis. Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is commonly associated with nosocomial infections?

Staphylococcus aureus. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about iatrogenic infections?

They result from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What are microorganisms that are crucial for maintaining health called?

Non-pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a systemic infection?

Infection impacting the whole body Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'contamination'?

The process of polluting by adding harmful substances Signup and view all the answers

What role do colonies of non-pathogens play in the body?

They contribute to the normal body flora. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of an acute infection?

It appears suddenly and lasts a short duration. Signup and view all the answers

What factor could contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections?

Chronic illness or underlying health conditions Signup and view all the answers

What defines a nosocomial infection?

An infection acquired in a healthcare setting Signup and view all the answers

Which action is critical in breaking the chain of infection?

Practicing proper hand hygiene Signup and view all the answers

Which medication may inhibit the inflammatory response, potentially increasing the risk of infection?

Adrenal corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of a urinary infection?

Cloudy or discolored urine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may result from anticancer medications that depress bone marrow function?

Inadequate production of white blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What local sign might indicate an infection?

Localized redness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is important to assess during the nursing history to evaluate infection risk?

History of recurrent infections Signup and view all the answers

What systemic symptom may indicate the presence of an infection?

Increased malaise and loss of energy Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is known to impair ciliary action, elevating infection risk?

Chronic pulmonary disease Signup and view all the answers

What might indicate the presence of a local infection as opposed to a systemic infection?

Localized swelling and redness Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for leukocyte (WBC) count in a healthy individual?

4,500 to 11,000 /ml Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding is indicative of inflammation in the body?

Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when managing clients susceptible to infection?

Maintain or restore defenses Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with infection?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing activity is critical to prevent nosocomial infections?

Strict use of medical and surgical asepsis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of disinfectants in infection control?

Destroy pathogens other than spores Signup and view all the answers

What role does hand hygiene play in infection control?

It is one of the most effective infection control measures. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes antiseptics?

They inhibit the growth of some microorganisms and are used on skin and tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What method achieves sterilization by using steam under pressure?

Moist heat Signup and view all the answers

Which item must be sterilized due to the high risk of infection when contaminated?

Surgical instruments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of boiling water as a sterilization method?

It is ineffective against viruses. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used effectively in industry to sterilize heat-sensitive items?

Ethylene oxide gas Signup and view all the answers

What type of items must be disinfected as they come into contact with skin that is not intact?

Semi-critical items Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary drawback of ultraviolet light radiation for disinfection?

It does not penetrate deeply. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of noncritical items?

They can only be cleaned. Signup and view all the answers

What role does ionizing radiation play in sterilization?

It is effective against heat-sensitive items. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of contact precautions?

To prevent staff and visitors from spreading germs after contact. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illnesses requires droplet precautions?

Influenza Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after exposure to blood borne pathogens?

Report the incident and complete an injury report. Signup and view all the answers

Which mode of transmission does a puncture wound fall under?

Skin contact Signup and view all the answers

When should post-exposure prophylaxis be considered?

If medically indicated after exposure. Signup and view all the answers

How long should saline or water flushes be applied to mucous membrane exposures?

5 to 10 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Infection Control Department play within a healthcare setting?

Educating staff on infection control and reviewing policies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes droplets in relation to transmission?

They contain germs and can travel about 3 feet. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asepsis

Asepsis is a condition where no disease-causing microorganisms are present
Asepsis covers procedures designed to reduce the risk of bacterial, fungal, or viral contamination
Two types of asepsis are medical and surgical asepsis
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a fundamental public health issue for patient safety and health system strengthening

Nosocomial Infections

Also called healthcare-associated or hospital-acquired infections
Subset of infectious diseases acquired in a healthcare facility
To be considered nosocomial, the infection must develop at least 48 hours after admission
Microorganisms causing nosocomial infections can originate from the clients themselves (endogenous) or the hospital environment and personnel (exogenous)
Most nosocomial infections have endogenous sources

Factors Contributing to Nosocomial Infections

Iatrogenic infections result from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures
Compromised host is a client whose normal defenses have been weakened by illness or surgery
Insufficient hand cleansing among personnel is a significant contributing factor to the spread of nosocomial microorganisms

Types of Nosocomial Infections

Iatrogenic: Resulting from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure (e.g., urinary catheter insertion)
Exogenous: The causative organism is acquired from other people (e.g., Tuberculosis)
Endogenous: Sufficient numbers of microorganisms normally found in one body cavity, transferred to another body site, develop and become pathogens (e.g., transmission of enterococci)

Chain of Infection

Includes the reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host
Reservoirs and the etiologic agent are interrupted by antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilization

Body Defenses Against Infections

Nonspecific defenses include the skin, mucous membranes, and secretions from these areas
Lysozyme, for example, is a protective protein found in the upper respiratory tract.
With increased inflammation, there may be indicators such as redness, swelling, pain, or increased blood flow to the affected area(s)
Specific defenses (immune system) include lymphocytes, antibodies and the inflammatory response
Ex. Interferons are produced by virus-infected cells that affect the replication of other viruses

Factors Increasing Susceptibility to Infection

Age: Newborns have immature immune systems; older adults have weakened immune systems
Heredity: Some people inherit a genetic predisposition to certain infections
Stress: Prolonged stress depletes energy stores and can decrease resistance to infection
Nutritional status: Inadequate nutrition can impair the ability to synthesize antibodies
Medical therapies: Certain treatments, like radiation therapy, can weaken the immune system
Certain medications: Some medications, like anticancer medications or anti-inflammatory medications, depress bone marrow function causing reduced white blood cell production
Certain diseases: Any disease that can lower the body's defenses against infection puts a patient at risk

Nursing Management (Assessment)

Nursing history: Gathering client risk factors, history of recurrent infections, current medications, emotional stressors, nutritional status, and immunization history
Physical assessment: Evaluating for signs and symptoms of infection like fever, elevated pulse/respiratory rates, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting. Check for localized swelling, redness, tenderness, heat, loss of function and exudates from open wounds.
Laboratory data: Assessing for leukocyte count, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and pathogen presence in specimens (urine, blood, etc.) using cultures

Nursing Management (Diagnosis)

Potential complications such as fever, malnutrition, imbalanced nutrition less than body requirements, acute pain due to damage/discomfort, impaired social interaction, and anxiety related to changes in life activities

Nursing Management (Planning)

Goals include maintaining or restoring client defenses, avoiding spread of infectious organisms, and reducing/alleviating problems associated with the infection

Nursing Management (Implementation)

Strategies for preventing infection, halting spread of infection between individuals, and treating existing infections
Activities that interfere with the chain of infection and transmission of infectious agents
Breaking the chain of infection includes preventive measures like immunizations, treatment of underlying diseases, educational programs, and the prevention and control of transmissions using personal and health protective equipment
Isolating patients with contagious diseases and implementing proper disinfection/sterilization practices

Infection Control for Health Care Workers

Three main modes of transmission of infectious materials in clinical settings are puncture wounds, skin contact, and mucous membrane contact
Steps to follow after exposure to blood-borne pathogens include reporting the incident, completing an injury report, seeking appropriate evaluation and treatment, documenting the source exposure, and testing the source for relevant pathogens. If medically appropriate, post-exposure prophylaxis should be administered

Isolation Precautions

Isolation precautions create barriers between people and germs and help prevent the spread of germs in hospitals
Standard precautions (e.g., hand hygiene, personal protective equipment)
Transmission-based precautions (for specific germs, e.g., airborne, contact, droplet precautions) to prevent germ spreading.

Disinfecting and Sterilizing

Disinfection is a process that eliminates most pathogens on objects, with the exception of bacterial spores
Disinfectants are chemical agents that destroy most pathogens other than spores
Antiseptics prevent microorganism growth on living tissue surfaces
Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.
Methods of sterilization/disinfection include moist heat (e.g., autoclave), gas (e.g., ethylene oxide), boiling water, and radiation

Role of the Infection Control Department

Providing continuing staff education on infection control principles and policies
Review infection control policies and procedures
Monitor the epidemiology/statistics of nosocomial infections
Investigating outbreaks of infection
Providing input on patient-care products selection
Conducting research related to infection control

Role of the Nurse

Responsible for providing a safe environment for clients using effective aseptic techniques
Monitoring healthcare team members when they enter the client's environment
Educate healthcare workers and clients regarding isolation status and preventive measures
Uses appropriate precautions for all clients, even if an infection has not been diagnosed

Evaluation of Outcomes

If outcomes of infection prevention and control are not achieved, the nurse may need to identify gaps and evaluate factors such as implementation of appropriate measures to prevent skin breakdown and infection, use of aseptic techniques during invasive procedures, and possible effects of prescribed medications on the client’s immune system. Additional considerations could be about the client's placement and compliance with infection prevention and control instructions from the healthcare team.

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Description

This quiz covers the principles of asepsis and nosocomial infections, highlighting the importance of infection prevention in healthcare settings. Explore the factors contributing to healthcare-associated infections and understand the different types of asepsis. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge in infection control.