Infection Control and Hand Hygiene

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a 'reservoir' in the chain of infection?

The method by which a pathogen enters a host.

A place where the pathogen lives and multiplies. (correct)

The way a pathogen is transferred, like direct contact.

The specific pathogen causing the infection.

According to standard precautions, when should gloves be worn, when providing care?

Always, during every patient interaction.

Only when there is visible blood.

When there is potential exposure to bodily fluids. (correct)

Only with patients in isolation.

Which of these is the correct procedure for changing a contaminated gown?

Remove the gown normally and perform hand hygiene after removing it.

Remove the gown inside out and perform hand hygiene. (correct)

Remove the gown first, then the gloves.

Remove the gown by the outer surface and then don a clean gown.

In perineal care for a female patient, what is the most important direction to clean for preventing infection?

Front to back. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When providing oral care for an unconscious patient, what is the primary reason for positioning the patient on their side?

To prevent aspiration. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a non-modifiable risk factor for disease?

Genetic factors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'A' stand for in the ABC framework for prioritizing patient care?

Airway. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an external variable that influences a patient's care?

The patient’s socioeconomic status. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which level of prevention focuses on early detection of disease through screenings?

Secondary prevention (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of contact transmission occurs when a person gets sick from touching a contaminated door handle?

Indirect contact (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is essential for active listening?

Using verbal and nonverbal cues to show understanding and patience (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Caring Process of Knowing'?

Understanding the patient’s unique experiences and emotions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When involving family members in care, which activity is most relevant?

Involving them in ADLs, patient education, and emotional support (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which body mechanic principle is most important to prevent back injuries when lifting?

Keeping the back straight and bending at the knees (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is most associated with increased fracture risk in elderly adults?

Decreased bone density due to osteoporosis (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a common postural condition associated with congenital defects?

Kyphosis (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does prolonged immobility affect the respiratory system?

Reduced lung expansion and increased risk of pneumonia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is a critical home care need for patients discharged with mobility alterations?

Installing grab bars and removing environmental hazards (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chain of Infection

Infectious agent: A pathogen, like bacteria or viruses, causing infection.
Reservoir: The place where the pathogens live (e.g., humans, animals, water).
Portal of Exit: The path pathogens use to leave the reservoir (e.g., respiratory tract, blood).
Mode of Transmission: How the pathogens spread (e.g., direct contact, airborne).
Portal of Entry: The path the pathogen uses to enter a new host (e.g., mucous membranes, skin).
Susceptible Host: A person with weakened immune defenses.

Isolation Precautions

Standard Precautions: Hand hygiene and gloving when exposed to bodily fluids.
Contact Precautions: Gowns and gloves for pathogens like MRSA.
Droplet Precautions: Masks for pathogens like influenza.
Airborne Precautions: N95 respirators for TB or measles.

Handwashing Steps

Wet hands with clean water.
Apply soap, lather for at least 20 seconds.
Scrub all surfaces, including nails and wrists.
Rinse thoroughly.
Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

Cross-Contamination

Transfer of harmful microorganisms between people or objects.
Prevention: Proper hand hygiene, cleaning shared equipment, using PPE properly.

Changing a Gown

Remove contaminated gown inside out.
Perform hand hygiene.
Put on clean gown, securing ties.
Avoid touching outer gown surface.
Ensure patient privacy and comfort.

Patient-Centered Care

Ask patient preferences for daily activities (ADLs).
Adjust care for physical/mental conditions like mobility limitations.

Perineal Care

Female: Clean front to back to prevent infection, using warm water and mild soap.
Male: Clean tip first, moving outward in a circular motion, then retract foreskin (if uncircumcised) after cleaning.

Prioritizing Care (ABCs)

A: Airway.
B: Breathing.
C: Circulation.

Oral Care for Unconscious Patients

Position patient on their side to prevent aspiration.
Use a padded tongue blade to keep the mouth open.
Clean teeth, gums, and tongue with a brush.
Suction saliva if needed.

Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Factors

Modifiable: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking).
Non-modifiable: Genetics, age, sex.

Acute vs. Chronic Illness

Acute: Sudden onset, short duration (influenza).
Chronic: Long-term, ongoing (diabetes).

External vs. Internal Variables

External: Environment, culture, socioeconomic status.
Internal: Beliefs, emotions, developmental stage.

Levels of Prevention

Primary: Preventing illness (vaccinations).
Secondary: Early detection (screenings).
Tertiary: Managing chronic conditions (rehab).

Contact vs. Indirect Contact Transmission

Direct Contact: Person-to-person (touching).
Indirect Contact: Through contaminated objects or surfaces.

Principles of Listening

Be attentive, avoid interruptions.
Use verbal/nonverbal cues to show understanding.
Clarify and summarize what the patient shares.

Caring Process of Knowing

Understand patient experiences and emotions.
Develop trust for personalized care.
Involve family members appropriately.

Involving Family Members in Care

Involve family in ADLs, patient education, emotional support.
Teach skills like medication administration and encourage participation in care planning.

Body Mechanics and Alignment

Keep back straight, bend knees for lifting.
Hold objects close.
Use assistive devices if needed.

Body Mechanics for Nurses

Wide base of support, bend knees, keep objects close.
Avoid twisting; pivot with feet.
Use assistive devices (e.g., gait belts, lifts).

Body Alignment for Patients

Maintain spine's natural curves.
Use supportive devices.
Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours).

Risk Factors for Fracture (Different Populations)

Elderly: Decreased bone density (osteoporosis), falls due to balance/vision issues.
Children: Higher risk during growth spurts (softer bones).
Athletes: Stress fractures from repetitive motion.
Postmenopausal women: Hormonal changes leading to bone loss.

Congenital Conditions Affecting Posture/Alignment

Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine (often diagnosed in adolescence).
Kyphosis: Exaggerated thoracic curvature (hunchback).
Cerebral palsy: Impaired muscle tone and coordination.
Spina bifida: Neural tube defect causing spinal deformities.

Safety Factors Affecting Mobility

Environmental hazards (clutter, poor lighting).
Medications (sedatives, antihypertensives).
Chronic conditions (arthritis, stroke).
Assistive devices usage.

Body Systems Affected by Immobility

Musculoskeletal: Atrophy, contractures, demineralization.
Cardiovascular: Increased DVT risk, orthostatic hypotension.
Respiratory: Reduced lung expansion, pneumonia risk.
Integumentary: Pressure injuries.
Gastrointestinal: Constipation, decreased appetite.

Musculoskeletal Conditions from Immobility

Osteoporosis: Loss of bone mass.
Contractures: Permanent joint stiffness.
Disuse atrophy: Muscle wasting.

Home Care for Patients (Mobility Alterations)

Install grab bars, remove home hazards.
Provide education on assistive device use.
Encourage PT for strength & mobility.
Access community resources (home health).

Sleep Disorders & Requirements

Sleep disorders: Insomnia, sleep apnea, RLS, narcolepsy.
Sleep requirements vary: newborns (14-17 hours), children (9-11 hours), adults (7-9 hours), older adults (7-8 hours).

Health Promotion for Sleep

Consistent sleep schedule.
Limit caffeine and screen time.
Ensure quiet, dark, cool sleep environment.
Interventions: CBT-I, sleep aids (as prescribed).

Vision: Presbyopia (near vision), cataracts.
Hearing: Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss).
Touch: Reduced sensitivity to pain, pressure, temperature.
Taste and Smell: Decline in taste buds and olfactory receptors.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts of infection control, including the chain of infection and various isolation precautions. It also details proper handwashing techniques crucial for preventing infections. Test your knowledge on these vital health practices to ensure safety in healthcare settings.