Infection Overview and Types

Infection

• Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body tissues
• Infection may or may not result in noticeable symptoms
• Infection may lead to injury to cells due to competitive metabolism, toxins, or the body's immune response
• Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens invading the host, colonizing, and stimulating an inflammatory response
• Communicable diseases are infectious diseases that are transmitted by contact from a source to a susceptible host
• Tetanus is an example of an infectious disease preventable by vaccination but not a communicable disease because it can't spread from person to person

Types of Infection

• Endemic: constant presence in a geographical area
• Epidemic: exceeds usual frequency in geographical area
• Pandemic: global epidemic

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

• Patients with HAIs typically have twice the length of stay as patients without HAIs
• Hospital workers need to follow preventive strategies to minimize the spread of HAIs

Bacteria

• Bacteria can affect humans in two ways: by producing toxins or by directly invading tissues
• MDROs are multi-drug resistant organisms - take all antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections

Clostridium difficile

• A bacterium that causes severe diarrhea
• It's transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces

Infection Prevention Strategies

• Hand washing is a perpetual strategy for infection prevention
• Friction is required for effective hand washing and drying
• Foam sanitizers take greater than 30 seconds to dry
• Hand washing is only recommended for visibly soiled hands or when handling fecal material

Fomites

• Nurses need to sanitize their stethoscopes frequently because they can be contaminated with bacteria
• Cell phones can also carry pathogens and should be cleaned with foam sanitizers
• Nurses' uniforms can be contaminated with bacteria and should be washed immediately after use

Precautions

• Standard precautions should be used for all clients.
• Transmission-based precautions should be used in addition to standard precautions when caring for clients with known or suspected infections
• Specialized precautions include contact, airborne, and droplet precautions

Medical Surgical Floor Client Examples

• Mr. Hall with tuberculosis: room 201: Airborne precautions should be used
• Ms. Vance with C. diff: room 213: Contact precautions should be used
• Mr. Leon with HIV: room 216: Standard precautions should be used
• Child Bonnie with streptococcal pharyngitis: Room 223: Droplet precautions should be used

Gowns

• Gowns help to prevent the spread of infections by covering the nurse's clothing
• Gowns should be worn when there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids

Masks

• Masks are an important barrier for respiratory secretions from both the nurse and the client
• The type of mask depends on the type of infection being cared for

Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment of Infection

• Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications from infection
• Medications for infection are used to treat specific infections
• Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections
• Antivirals are used to treat viral infections
• Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections
• Antiparasitics are used to treat parasitic infections

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancer
• HPV is preventable by immunization

Cellulitis

• Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin
• Cellulitis can occur when bacteria enter the skin through a break in the skin
• Risk factors for cellulitis include aging, obesity, and a weakened immune system

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2

• COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe
• Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications
• Current variants are: Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron
• Omicron is the most infectious variant
• Risk factors include being older than 65, having underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and having a weakened immune system

COVID-19 Transmission Prevention Strategies

• Masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, early testing and vaccination are all important to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19

COVID-19 Treatment

• Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the illness
• Mild symptoms can be treated at home
• Moderate symptoms may require hospitalization
• Severe symptoms may require intensive care
• Treatment options include supplemental oxygen, ventilatory support, antiviral medications, and monoclonal antibodies

Long-Hauler Syndrome

• Long-hauler syndrome is a condition that can occur after COVID-19 infection
• Symptoms of long-hauler syndrome can persist for months after the initial infection

Statins

• Statins are a type of medication used to lower cholesterol
• Studies have shown that statin use is associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for COVID-19

Case Study 1

• Prioritize the following actions for a client presenting with fever, cough, and neck pain:
  • Obtain vital signs
  • Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
  • Obtain a medical history and allergies
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Order diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray and blood work

Case Study 2

• A client with a left upper arm open wound infection (MRSA) and cellulitis should be placed in contact precautions
• Warm compresses are indicated for the client's left upper arm to promote blood flow
• The client's left arm should be elevated on a pillow
• A wound culture should be obtained once to determine the type of organism causing the infection so that appropriate medications can be selected
• IV access should be initiated to administer IV fluids and antibiotics
• Subcutaneous heparin (enoxaparin) may be administered to prevent blood clots, as cellulitis can increase the risk of blood clots

Explore the fundamental concepts of infections, including their definitions, types, and the distinction between communicable and non-communicable diseases. This quiz also covers healthcare-associated infections and their implications for patient care. Test your knowledge on how infections affect health and society.