Infection Risk Factors: Matching Exercise

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Questions and Answers

Match each disease or condition with its primary impact on the risk of infection:

Leukemia = Impairs immune cell function, reducing the body's ability to fight off infections. Diabetes = Compromises the immune response and impairs wound healing, increasing susceptibility to infections. Emphysema = Damages the respiratory system, impairing the ability to clear pathogens from the lungs. Peripheral Vascular Disease = Reduces blood flow to extremities, hindering immune cell access and increasing infection risk.

Match the burn characteristic with its corresponding impact on infection risk:

Burn Depth = Deeper burns destroy more skin layers, increasing risk for infection Burn Extent = Larger burns provide a greater surface area for pathogens to enter the body. Skin Protection = Compromised skin protection increases risk of infection Immune Function = Burn injuries supress immune function which increases risck of infection

Match each medical therapy with its primary mechanism for increasing infection risk:

Adrenal Corticosteroids = Suppress the inflammatory response, impairing the body's natural defenses against pathogens. Cancer Drugs = Damage or reduce white blood cells, weakening the immune system. Medications to Prevent Organ Rejection = Suppress the immune system to prevent rejection, but also increase infection risk. Antiretroviral Therapy = Improve the immune response, reducing the susceptibility to opportunistic infections

Match each sign or symptom with the type of infection it indicates:

<p>Redness, Warmth, Swelling = Local Infection Fever, Fatigue, Nausea = Systemic Infection Enlarged Lymph Nodes = Systemic Infection Changes in LOC = Systemic Infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each factor with the condition it contributes to increasing vulnerability to infection:

<p>Genetic Factors (Primary Immunodeficiency) = Weakened immune response due to inherited conditions. Diabetes Mellitus = Compromised immune function and impaired wound healing. Crowded Living Conditions = Increased risk of pathogen transmission. Use of Corticosteroids = Suppression of the body's natural immune defenses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each population group with the primary factor that increases their risk of infection:

<p>Infants = Immature immune systems make them more susceptible to infections. Elderly = Weakening immune function increases their vulnerability to infections. Homeless Individuals = Lack of adequate sanitation and health access increases their exposure to pathogens. Uninsured Individuals = Limited access to healthcare impairs preventive care and timely treatment of infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of the infectious process with the event that characterizes it:

<p>Incubation Period = Pathogen enters the body; no symptoms are present but the person may be a carrier. Prodromal Stage = Nonspecific signs and symptoms appear; the patient may be capable of spreading the disease. Illness Stage = Specific signs and symptoms of the infection are manifested. Convalescence = Acute symptoms of the infection disappear; recovery occurs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Allocate potential clinical findings to the areas they impact:

<p>Wound redness = Physical assessment Patient Temperature = Vital Signs Lymph Node Status = Physical assesment Fatigue levels = Systemic infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a patient presenting with a surgical wound infection, match the type of assessment with its purpose:

<p>Wound Culture = Identification of specific pathogen Vital Signs Monitoring = Early Detection Pain assessment = Severity of pain Assessment of drainage characteristics = Information about the type and severity of infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each environmental factor with its potential impact on infectious disease transmission:

<p>Clean Food and Water = Reduces the risk of waterborne and foodborne illnesses. Sufficient Air Ventilation = Decreases the concentration of airborne pathogens. Crowded Living Conditions = Increases opportunities for pathogen spread. Conditions of Food Preparation = Influences the survival and spread of foodborne pathogens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the intervention with its primary goal in managing a patient at high risk for infection:

<p>Hand Hygiene = Prevent transmission of pathogens. Vaccination = Enhance the body's immunity against specific diseases. Nutrition Support = Strengthen the immune system and promote healing. Medication Adjustment = Optimize the body's immune responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each chronic disease with its associated impact on the body's vulnerability to infection:

<p>Diabetes Mellitus = Compromised immune function and impaired wound healing. Inflammatory Disorders = Disruption of immune homeostasis and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Cancers = Weakened immune defenses and potential compromise of physical barriers. Hepatic Disorders = Impaired immune cell function and increased risk of systemic infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each medical treatment strategy with the associated infectious risks:

<p>Invasive Lines = Provide a direct portal of entry for pathogens into the bloodstream. Immunosuppressive Medications = Weaken the body's immune defenses, increasing vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Antibiotics = Disrupt the balance of the body's normal flora, promoting antibiotic resistance. Surgery = Compromises skin integrity and increases risk of surgical site infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each host factor with the mechanism by which it influences susceptibility to infection:

<p>Malnutrition = Compromises immune cell function and impairs barrier defenses. Acute Stress = Suppresses immune cell activity, increasing risk of infection. Preexisting Infection = Weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens. Medications = Alter immune function directly</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of the infectious process with its corresponding timeframe:

<p>Incubation Period = Interval between pathogen entry and first symptom appearance. Prodromal Stage = Period from nonspecific symptoms to specific symptoms. Illness Stage = When the specific signs and symptoms of the infection are present. Convalescence = As acute symptoms disappear, complete recovery occurs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each factor with the specific way it can impact the effectiveness of the immune system to fight infections:

<p>Chemotherapy = Reduces the number of white blood cells, impairing the immune response. HIV Infection = Destroys CD4+ T cells, compromising immune function. Poor Sanitation = Increases exposure to pathogens, overwhelming the immune system. Prolonged Psychological Stress = Suppresses immune cell activity and function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each diagnostic test with the type of insight it provides regarding infections:

<p>Complete Blood Count (CBC) = Provides detailed information on white blood cell count and differentials, indicating the type and severity of infection. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) = An elevated level suggests inflammation, which can be indicative of infection but is not specific to the cause. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) = An elevated rate suggests inflammation, helpful as a general indicator of infection but not specific to the infectious agent. Cultural Sensitivity = Identifies the specific microorganism causing the infection and determines its susceptibility to various antibiotics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of white blood cell (WBC) with the type of infection they are typically elevated in:

<p>Neutrophils = Elevated in acute suppurative infections. Lymphocytes = Elevated in chronic bacterial and viral infections. Monocytes = Elevated in protozoan infections. Eosinophils = Elevated in parasitic infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the age group with the characteristic that influences their susceptibility or response to infection:

<p>Infants = Possess immature immune defenses but benefit from passive immunity acquired from the mother. Older adults = Experience a decline in cell-mediated immunity and decreased skin integrity. Adolescents = Generally have robust immune systems but can be affected by lifestyle factors. Middle-aged adults = Immune function is typically stable unless compromised by other health conditions or treatments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the host characteristic with how it influences susceptibility to infection:

<p>Smoking = Compromises respiratory defenses, increasing risk of respiratory infections. Breaks in the skin = Create portals of entry for pathogens, bypassing the body's primary physical barrier. Immunosuppressant medications = Weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Malnutrition = Impairs immune cell function and reduces the body's ability to fight off infections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the diagnostic test with the best use case in infectious disease diagnostics:

<p>Chest X-ray = Detects pneumonia and other lung infections. CT Scan = Provides detailed images of internal organs to detect abscesses or other focal infections. MRI = Offers high-resolution imaging to detect infections affecting soft tissues and the central nervous system. PET Scan = Identifies areas of increased metabolic activity, useful in detecting infections that are difficult to locate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each radiographic test with what it is best suited to visualize in the context of infections:

<p>X-rays = Bone and dense tissues, identifying fractures or pneumonia in the lungs. MRI = Soft tissues, such as brain or spinal cord infections, with high resolution. CAT = Cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen, useful for detecting abscesses. PET = Identifies areas of metabolic activity to find infections, useful in detecting infections that are difficult to locate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each population group with the factors contributing to their increased risk of infection:

<p>Poor = Limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition, and unsanitary living conditions increase infection risk. Uninsured = Delayed or lack of medical care results in untreated infections and complications. Geographic area = Limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition, and unsanitary living conditions increase infection risk. Indigenous = High rates of chronic diseases and limited access to healthcare compound factors leading to higher infection risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each term related to diagnostic testing with its clinical significance in the context of infection:

<p>Increased WBC = Indicates the body's immune response is actively fighting an infection. Decreased WBC = May occur in certain viral or overwhelming infections, indicating immune system compromise. Serologic Tests = Detect specific antibodies or viruses, aiding in identifying specific infections. Indium Scans = Uses radioactive indium to label WBCs, identifying sites of infection within the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each drug class with its primary target:

<p>Antibacterial = Bacteria Antiviral = Viruses Antifungal = Fungi Antiprotozoal = Protozoa</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the correct generation of cephalosporins to their characteristic antimicrobial activity:

<p>First-generation = Primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria Second-generation = Expanded activity against Gram-negative bacteria Third-generation = Increased activity against serious Gram-negative infections Fourth-generation = Broadest spectrum, including activity against <em>Pseudomonas</em></p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following drug administrations with the required safety protocol mentioned in the text:

<p>Handling a tray with potentially contaminated materials = Requires the nurse to wear protective garb and use a special isolation bag held by a second healthcare worker Antibacterial = Medication targeting bacteria Antiviral = Medication targeting viruses Antifungal = Medication targeting fungi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the class of anti-infective with a key function that it inhibits to cause cell death:

<p>Penicillin = Cell Wall Synthesis Fluroquinolones = DNA Replication Macrolides = Protein Synthesis Antifungal = Cell Membrane Synthesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following drug classifications with their specific characteristic spectrum :

<p>Aminoglycosides = Narrow spectrum, primarily Gram-negative aerobic bacteria Antiviral = Spectrum limited to specific viruses, like influenza or HIV Antifungal = Target the synthesis of ergosterol, essential for fungal cell membranes Antiprotozoal = Effective against parasitic protozoa that cause diseases like malaria or giardiasis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following infection control measures with their primary purpose:

<p>Hand hygiene = Control of transmission Sterilization = Eliminates all forms of microbial life Respiratory hygiene = Control of portals of exit/entry Cleaning = Removal of organic or inorganic material</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of isolation precaution with the appropriate situation:

<p>Contact precautions = Used when caring for patients with known or suspected infections that represent an increased risk for contact transmission Droplet precautions = Used when caring for patients with infections that spread via large respiratory droplets Standard precautions = Used for all patients regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status Protective environment = Used for patients who are highly susceptible to infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts to their corresponding descriptions related to infection control:

<p>Disinfection = Eliminates many or all microorganisms, except bacterial spores Reservoir of infection = A place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host Susceptible host = A person at risk for developing an infection from a pathogen Portal of exit = Route by which a pathogen leaves the body of its reservoir</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the infection control activity with the element of the infection chain it disrupts:

<p>Sterile Dressing Change = Portal of Entry Cleaning Contaminated Surfaces = Reservoir Covering Mouth When Coughing = Portal of Exit Administering Antibiotics = Susceptible host</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following healthcare practices with the infection control principle they exemplify:

<p>Using single-use disposable equipment = Control of transmission Properly disposing of contaminated sharps = Control of portals of exit/entry Regularly checking expiration dates on sterile supplies = Elimination of infectious agents Vaccinating healthcare workers = Protection of the susceptible host</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match scenarios with the most appropriate type of personal protective equipment (PPE):

<p>Suctioning a patient's airway = Gown, mask, and eye protection Administering an intramuscular injection = Gloves Caring for a patient with an airborne infection = N95 respirator Changing a wound dressing with heavy drainage = Gloves and gown</p> Signup and view all the answers

Link each action with its consequence regarding sterile technique:

<p>Reaching over a sterile field = Contamination of the sterile field Turning your back on a sterile field = Loss of control over the sterility of the field Spillage of liquid onto a sterile field = Creation of a pathway for microorganisms to contaminate the field Touching a sterile field with ungloved hands = Breaching the sterile barrier</p> Signup and view all the answers

Associate each type of waste with its required disposal method in a healthcare setting:

<p>Sharps (needles, scalpels) = Puncture-proof sharps container Blood-soaked dressings = Biohazard waste bag Used medication vials = Pharmaceutical waste container General waste (paper, wrappers) = Regular trash receptacle</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each potential nursing diagnosis with the most appropriate intervention focus:

<p>Risk for Infection = Implement rigorous infection control measures, monitor for signs of infection, and educate the patient on preventive strategies. Impaired Nutritional Status: Deficient Food Intake = Collaborate with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan, monitor calorie intake, and provide nutritional supplements as needed. Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane = Provide gentle oral care, administer prescribed medications, and educate the patient on maintaining oral hygiene. Social Isolation = Encourage participation in group activities, facilitate communication with family and friends, and provide emotional support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each principle of outcome identification with its practical application:

<p>Work with patient and family = Engage the patient and their family in the decision-making process to ensure that goals align with their values and preferences. Establish realistic outcomes = Set achievable goals based on the patents current health status, available resources, and potential for improvement. Use clinical judgement = Incorporate professional expertise and evidence-based practices to identify the most appropriate and effective outcomes for the patient. Measurable Outcomes = Develop outcomes that can be tracked and quantified to see if the interventions are working; outcomes need to be purposeful and direct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each setting priority principle with its application in patient care:

<p>Establish priorities for each diagnosis = Address the most critical health issues first, such as airway obstruction or severe pain, to stabilize the patient's condition. Priorities change as patient improves = Continuously reassess the patients condition and adjust priorities, focusing on rehabilitation and long-term management as the patient recovers. Acute care priorities change quickly = Remain vigilant and adaptable in rapidly changing acute care settings, promptly addressing new symptoms or complications as they arise. Collaboration as the patient improves = As the patient's condition improves, continue working together to refine goals that are more focused on the patient's long-term independence and quality of life as they transition from acute to rehabilitative care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each component of teamwork and collaboration with its role in patient care:

<p>Prevention = Implement evidence-based strategies, such teaching proper handwashing and adhering to isolation protocols, to minimize the spread of infections. Family caregiver = Actively elicit the family's insights, address their concerns, and integrate their preferences into the care plan to promote a support system. Registered dietitians = Collaborate with dietitian to develop tailored nutrition plans, monitor dietary intake, and provide education on healthy eating habits to improve nutritional status of patients. Case management = Coordinate comprehensive discharge plans, assess the patient's resource needs and provide referrals to community services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the nursing diagnosis with the appropriate nursing intervention.

<p>Readiness for enhanced immunization status = Assess current immunization record and provide education for recommended vaccines. Impaired skin integrity = Evaluate wound characteristics, provide wound care as prescribed, and monitor for signs of infection. Impaired Mobility = Implement exercise, ambulation, and assistive devices to improve activity tolerance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the definition of the type of Outcome.

<p>Purposeful = Ensures that the interventions and actions taken are directed towards achieving specific and meaningful goals that align with the patient needs and desired outcomes. Direct = Relates to strategies and actions taken by the healthcare team that are focused and straightforward to ensure that each step contributes to the overall care plan. Measurable = Involves identifying and tracking specific parameters or indicators that can be quantified to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and progress towards desired goals. Priorities change = Acknowledge that what matters most in a patients care can change because the patient improves, or new symptoms arise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the professional with job regarding patient.

<p>Family caregiver = Can provide valuable insight into the pateints conditions. Health care providers = Offer medical insight and expertise on the best path forward Registered dietitians = Have insight on the best nutrition plan for the patient to follow. Respiratory therapists = Expertise in optimizing airway function and gas exchange, promoting breathing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Causes of Impaired Immunity

Genetic factors (primary immunodeficiency), malnutrition, preexisting infection with other pathogens (HIV, Epstein-Barr).

Chronic Diseases & Infection Risk

Diabetes, inflammatory disorders, cancers, and hepatic or respiratory disorders increase vulnerability to infection.

Environmental Factors & Infection

Crowded living conditions increase risk of spread; lack of clean food/water.

Incubation Period

Time between pathogen entry and first symptom, person is a carrier

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Prodromal Stage

Time from nonspecific signs/symptoms to more specific symptoms. Patient may be contagious.

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Illness Stage

Time when patient shows signs/symptoms specific to the infection.

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Convalescence Stage

Time when acute symptoms disappear; recovery time depends on infection severity and host resistance.

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Infection Triangle

Infection involves interplay between person, environment, and pathogen.

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Immune System Diseases

Diseases such as Leukemia and AIDS weaken the immune system, increasing infection risk.

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Chronic Diseases & Infection

Conditions like diabetes and respiratory diseases (emphysema) can alter the body's normal defenses, increasing the risk of infection.

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Burns & Infection Risk

Burns compromise the skin barrier, making the body highly vulnerable to infections.

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Corticosteroids & Immunity

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation but impair the natural immune response, increasing infection risk.

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Local Infection Signs

Redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage (yellow, green, or brown) at a wound site.

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Systemic Infection Signs

Fever, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes, changes in LOC, and altered vital signs.

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High-Risk Populations

Age extremes (very young and elderly), socioeconomic factors, geographic location, and lack of insurance.

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Identifying Infection Risk

Identifying patients with weakened defenses, chronic conditions, or other factors that make them prone to infections.

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Defense Status & Disease

Compromised defense mechanisms (e.g., broken skin, smoking, immunosuppressants) increase disease vulnerability.

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Infant Immunity

Infants have immature immune systems, relying on maternal antibodies for the first few weeks of life.

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Elderly Immunity

Older adults experience reduced cell-mediated immunity and thinning skin, increasing infection risk.

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Serologic Tests

Used to detect a virus or measure antibody level in the blood.

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Radiographic Tests

Visualize body tissue to gain insight to possible infection or scope of infection.

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WBC Count Changes

Elevated in acute infection; decreased in viral or overwhelming infections.

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Neutrophil Increase

Increased in acute suppurative (pus-forming) infections.

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Lymphocyte Increase

Increased in chronic bacterial and viral infections.

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Isolation Bag

A bag used for containing contaminated items to prevent the spread of infection.

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Antibacterial Drugs

Medications used to fight bacterial infections.

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Penicillin

A class of antibacterial drugs derived from Penicillium fungi.

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Cephalosporins

A class of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs divided into generations.

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Antiviral Drugs

Medications used to treat viral infections.

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Risk for Infection

Vulnerability to invasion by pathogenic organisms.

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Impaired Nutritional Status

Intake of nutrients insufficient to meet metabolic needs.

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Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane

Disruptions of the lips or soft tissues of the oral cavity.

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Social Isolation

Feeling alone or rejected, hinders interaction.

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Impaired Skin Integrity

Altered epidermis and/or dermis.

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Impaired Mobility

Limitation in independent physical movement.

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Enhanced Immunization Status

Desire to protect against diseases.

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Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaborate to produce best patient outcomes.

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Cleaning

Removal of organic (blood) or inorganic (soil) material from objects/surfaces.

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Disinfection

Eliminates many or all microorganisms, EXCEPT bacterial spores.

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Sterilization

Eliminates ALL forms of microbial life, including spores.

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Protecting the Susceptible Host

Practices used to minimize spread to susceptible patients.

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Control Reservoirs of Infection

Actions to limit the environment where pathogens can thrive.

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Control Portals of Exit/Entry

Blocking the routes pathogens use to leave/enter the body.

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Control of Transmission

Preventing the spread of pathogens from person to person/object.

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Standard Precautions

A set of infection control practices used to reduce transmission of infectious agents.

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Study Notes

Infection Control and Prevention

  • Nurses are essential to infection prevention and control.
  • Patients in healthcare settings are at higher risk of infection due to lowered resistance, increased exposure to pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and invasive procedures.

Key Terms

  • Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, potentially causing injury or immune responses.
  • Colonization is the presence of microorganisms without tissue invasion or damage.
  • Communicable diseases are those that can be transmitted from one person to another.
  • Symptomatic: Presence of clinical signs and symptoms.
  • Asymptomatic: Absence of clinical signs and symptoms
  • Acute infections resolve within days or weeks.
  • Chronic infections last longer than 12 weeks and may be non-curable.
  • Localized infections are specific to one body part.
  • Systemic infections affect the entire body.
  • Sepsis is a systemic infection characterized by pathogens in the blood or other body tissues.
  • Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
  • Pandemic: An epidemic of infectious disease that has spread through human populations across a large region.

Infectious Diseases

  • Avian flu
  • COVID-19
  • Seasonal flu
  • MRSA, with 20-30% of healthy people carrying staph (MRSA) in their noses without getting sick, and these people are carriers.
  • Swine flu outbreak (over 30 years ago)

Common Pathogens

  • Fungal pathogens include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms
  • Fungal: Tinea pedis (Athlete's Foot), Candidiasis (Yeast Infection), Histoplasmosis, Lobomycosis, Cryptococcosis, Aspergillosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Ring Worm
  • In immunocompromised people, fungal infections can lead to death.
  • Viral pathogens interfere with normal cellular functioning
  • HIV, Hepatitis A,B,C or E, Human papillomavirus, Ebola Virus, Hantavirus, SARS-associated coronavirus, Coronavirus 19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Influenza
  • Protozoal Parasitic pathogens typically infect individuals with compromised immune responses and are transmitted by the fecal-oral route.
  • Protozoal: Giardia, Cryptosporidiosis, Balantidium, Chagas Disease, Malaria
  • Bacterial pathogens depend on the type and area of the body invaded
  • Bacterial: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile (C-Diff), Vancomycin -Resistant Enterococci (VRE), mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Clostridium tetani (Tetanus)
  • Clostridium difficile (C-Diff) is most common in elderly patients being treated with antibiotics

Chain of Infection

  • Microorganisms capable of causing disease or illness are infectious Agents
  • Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites, and Prions are all infectious agents
  • Reservoir: A place where microorganisms can live. People, Water, and Food can all act as reservoirs
  • Microorganisms need proper food, oxygen water, temperature, and pH to thrive.
  • Aerobic bacteria require oxygen for survival
  • Anaerobic bacteria thrive where little or no free oxygen is available
  • Most prefer a pH of 5.0-7.0. Prefer dark environments
  • A frequent reservoir is moist drainage from surgical wounds.
  • Bacteriostasis: prevention of further growth of bacteria using cold temperatures
  • Bactericidal: temperature or chemical that destroys bacteria
  • Portal of Exit: How infectious agents can leave a host.
  • Blood (HBV, HCV and HIV)
  • GI (Normal Flora)
  • Reproductive tract
  • Respiratory tract (sneeze, cough)
  • Skin (breaks in skin)
  • Urinary Tract (in urine when infection is present)
  • Modes of Transmission: How an infectious agent reaches the susceptible host.
    • Contact: source and susceptible host.
      • Direct: Person-to-person or fecal/oral.
      • Indirect: Via contaminated inanimate objects.
    • Droplet: Via cough or sneeze within a short distance (<6 ft).
    • Airborne: Carried in droplets or suspended in the air.
    • Vehicles: Contaminated items (sharps injuries)
    • Vector: External mechanical transfer (flies) and internal transmission (parasites)
  • Portal of Entry: The routes they use for exiting.
  • Susceptible Host:
    • Susceptibility depends on an individual's resistance to pathogens.

Risk Factors

  • Immunodeficiency:
    • is being immature or less efficient with age
    • Genetic factors, malnutrition, preexisting infections, stress, medications, and cancer treatment
  • Chronic Disease
    • Diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory disorders such as cancers, and hepatic or respiratory disorders
    • Intro of invasive lines, immunosuppressant medications (corticosteroids), antibiotics or antivirals, surgery, intubation and mechanical ventilation
  • Environmental Conditions
    • Crowded living conditions increase risk of spread
    • Lack of clean food and water, poor food preparation, and insufficient air ventilation

Infectious Process

  • Incubation Period is the Time from the entrance of the pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptom.
  • Prodromal Stage Time from nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms.
  • Illness Stage: Time when a patient manifests signs and symptoms of a specific infection.
  • Convalescence: Recovery depends on severity of infection and host resistance

Interaction

  • An infection involves intersection with a person, the environment, and a pathogen.

Defenses Against Infection

  • Normal flora helps in maintaining health when in their location but can cause the infection if they enter an unusual place.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics cause superinfection via the elimination of normal flora
  • Body system defenses protect against infection and a urinary catheter allows microorganisms to cause a bladder infection
  • The skin is the #1 defense mechanism if it remains intact and the cilia in the upper airway and nose capture inhaled microbes
  • Inflammation the protective vascular reaction delivers fluid, blood products, and nutrients to an area of injury.
    • Swelling, redness, heat, pain, tenderness, and loss of function to the affected body part are all symptoms of inflammation. -Treatment: R.I.C.E.
  • Inflammatory Exudate
    • Accumulation of liquids, dead tissue cells, and WBCs form at the site of inflammation.
      • Serous: clear
      • Sanguineous: containing red blood cells
      • Purulent: contains WBCs and bacteria
  • Tissue Repair: Damaged cells are replaced, although scar tissue is not as strong as normal tissue

Health Care Associated Infections (HAIs)

  • Infections that occur with a patient who develops an infection that was not at the time of admission, resulting from the delivery of health services in a health care agency such as invasive procedures, antibiotic administration, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and breaks in infection prevention and control activities.
  • Major sites for HAIs include surgical or traumatic wounds, urinary and respiratory tracts, and the bloodstream

Risk Factors

  • Risks for patients in the health-care system include number of health professionals in direct contact with clients, the type and number of invasive procedures, and the length of hospitalization
  • Iatrogenic is a type of HAI from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure like bronchoscopy or broad spectrum antibiotics.

Types of Infections

  • Exogenous: microorganisms outside of the individual
  • Endogenous: Occur with altered and overgrowth from the patient's normal flora or when on broad sprectrum antibiotics (Yeast)

Nursing Approach

  • Assess patient's risk factors, nutritional status, current medications, and vaccination status
  • If they've had previous health problems involving infection and potential risks in the current environment
  • A poor intake of carbohydrates, protein and nutrients (like carbohydrates and fat) reduces the body's immune defenses and slows the wound healing process.
  • High susceptibility to infection with burn clients ( the greater the depth and extent of the burns),
  • Immunocompromised patients, risk of spread

Symptoms

  • Clinical Appearance Symptoms of local infection: redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, May be yellow, green or brown drainage.
  • Clinical Appearance Symptoms of systemic: symptoms are more generalized (Fever, fatigue, n/v and malaise. Lymph nodes may be enlarged or swollen. Changes in LOC and vital signs (increased body temp, HR, RR and decrease in BP)

At Risk Populations

  • Infants have immature defenses and older adults have decreased cell-mediated immunity and sensitive skin that tears easily.

Diagnostic

  • Common Diagnostic Tests include Laboratory (CBC, C&S, CRP, ESR, and serologic tests) and radiographic tests (x-rays, MRI, CAT, PET, and indium scans)

Analyzing Data

  • Interpretation of data, analyze clusters to identify patterns, determine nursing diagnoses, and prioritize
  • Nursing Diagnoses can include Risk for Infection, Imbalanced Nutrition: Deficient Food Intake, Impaired Oral Mucous Membrane, Social Isolation, Impaired Skin Integrity, and Readiness for Enhanced Immunization Status.

Planning

  • Plan interventions that align with patient expectations and preferences and that are purposeful, direct and measurable!

Taking Action

  • Health promotion, acute care medical asepsis, and isolation/isolation precautions
  • Educate patients, families, and caregivers on infection-control measures.
  • Proper nutrition, hygiene, and rest are essential for preventing infections.

Hygiene

  • Personal hygiene decreases microorganisms of the skin, maintains integrity of mucous membranes
  • Clean from clean to dirty
  • Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
  • Antiseptic hand wash should be used before procedures or contact with a patient.

Safety

  • Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions to prevent transmission.
  • Standard precautions include hand hygiene, use of PPE, and safe injection practices.
  • Perform hand hygiene, put on gown, put on mask, put on eye protection, put on gloves!
  • Don't share personal items and always use clean equipment.

Prevention

  • Prevent infections, control portals of exit/entry, and control transmission
  • Cleaning: the removal of organic material (blood) or inorganic material (soil) from objects or surfaces
  • Disinfection: eliminates many or all microorganisms with the exception of bacterial spores
  • Sterilization: eliminates all forms of microbial
  • Use of standard precautions
  • Do not place any nonsterile items on the field and make ure that the area is clean and closed off.
  • Avoid contact with blood and body fluids.
  • Antibacterial hand soaps: For routine use:Can irritate the skin and kill resident flora
  • Antimicrobial hand soaps:Won't kill the "good bacterial" on the skin

Isolation and Isolation Precautions

  • Standard Precautions: Apply to all patients because they include barrier precautions and PPE.
  • In addition to Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions prevent airborne, droplet, or contact transmission.
    • 1st wash with warms water, 2nd report to supervisor, 3rd Seek medical attention, and 4th create an infection report.

Medication Education

  • Educate patients when to take antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal agents
  • Always take medication until the entire course of meds should be taken, be sure to ensure the infection if gone, decrease resistance, and even if feeling better and temp is gone

Governing Bodies

  • OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Escambia County Public health department
  • Work on reducing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI Surgical site infection (SSI), Catheter-Associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)

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