Chapter 1-3 PDF

1542: Health and Wellbeing Midterm Exam Review Nursing Simulation Centre Prompt – Students will attend NSC session on time. Lateness disrupts valuable lab time. Prepared – Students will come to lab session with appropriate knowledge base to fully participate in lab. Students will show completed prep-work and be prepared to answer questions. Participate – Students will ask questions, role play, and engage with instructor and other students (this includes demonstrating knowledge and skills and sharing insights and experience when appropriate). Professional – Students will adhere to the Professional Appearance & Dress Code Policy and demonstrate professionalism by showing respect to others and the NSC space and equipment. Kits: available in the NSC What will you do in the NSC? Infection control principles, hand washing, PPE Interview, communication, data collection Client safety, use of restraints Body mechanics, lifting, positioning Transfer techniques Ambulating patients Basic hygiene: bed baths, peri-care, oral care, bed-making Feeding techniques Documentation, reporting (WEEK 1) Nursing The therapeutic relationship that enables the client to attain, maintain or regain optimal function by promoting the client's health through assessing, providing care for and treating the client's health conditions. This is achieved by supportive, preventive, therapeutic, palliative and rehabilitative means. The relationship with an individual client may be a direct practice role or it may be indirect, by means of management, education o r research roles. CNO (Ethics), 2009 Broad Domains of practice The helping role The teaching coaching function The diagnostic a n d patient monitoring function Effective management in rapidly changing situations Administering a n d monitoring therapeutic interventions and regimens Monitoring a n d ensuring the quality of health practices Organizational and work-role competencies What is Health? the state of being free from illness or injury health is a state that allows the individual to adequately cope with all demands of daily life 'a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of diseaseor infirmity'. WHO Illness and Disease Illness: A subjective experience of loss of health. Illness and health on a continuum Disease: an objective state of ill health. Pathology can be detected by medical science. Considerations for Health and Wellness What are the factors that may make a person feel well? What is perception and how does it impact a person's health? Health behaviour? How would illness in a family or among friends affect the members of the family or group? Health and Wellbeing of self reflection This image shows a “Health and Wellbeing of Self” self-reflection exercise where you are asked to rate yourself on six different personal attributes, each on a scale of 1 to 10. Here’s a simple explanation of each attribute: 1.Self-Worth: Your overall sense of value as a person. 2.Self-Respect: Having pride and confidence in yourself. 3.Self-Belief: Trusting that you can achieve things and perform well. 4.Self-Esteem: Confidence in your own worth and abilities. 5.Self-Confidence: Trusting in your own judgment, abilities, and qualities. 6.Self-Image: How you see yourself in terms of abilities, appearance, and personality. The goal is to rate yourself on each of these attributes as part of reflecting on your personal well-being. Health Across the Lifespan: Healthy Aging Seven Pillars of Self-Care: 1.Knowledge & Health Literacy: Understanding health information to make good choices. 2.Mental Wellbeing, Self-Awareness & Agency: Taking care of your mental health by being aware of your feelings and taking action when needed. 3.Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise to stay physically fit. 4.Healthy Eating: Maintaining a balanced diet for proper nutrition. 5.Risk Avoidance: Staying away from harmful behaviors, such as smoking or excessive drinking. 6.Good Hygiene: Keeping yourself clean to prevent illness. 7.Rational Use of Products & Services: Using health services and products wisely and only when necessary. Additional Tips for Healthy Living: Eat healthy, drink water, exercise regularly, and quit smoking/reduce alcohol to support overall well-being. Reduce stress, stay positive, and maintain your brain through mental exercises. Get enough sleep, go outside, and stay connected with others for emotional and physical health. Find new hobbies and take care of your dental health to improve quality of life. Have regular checkups to stay on top of any health issues. These points emphasize the importance of lifestyle choices for maintaining health, especially as we age. Strategies to Promote Health: 1.Public Policies: Taxes on cigarettes and sugar-sweetened drinks. Public smoking bans and restaurant trans-fat restrictions. Insurance coverage for programs that help people quit smoking. Menu calorie counts and dietary guidelines to encourage healthier eating. 2.Community and Campaign Efforts: Increased bike lanes to promote physical activity. Web-based programs like “Choose to Move” to get people active. Campaigns such as the Heart Truth campaign and Go Red for Women focus on heart health, especially for women. City planning efforts to promote activity, such as parks and walkable spaces. Public-private partnerships to promote healthier lifestyles. Programs by Life Stage: Childhood: Programs like Let’s Move and school-based initiatives like CATCH and SPARK to encourage physical activity and healthy eating in children. Media campaigns like VERB and initiatives to promote breastfeeding. Adulthood: Workplace interventions like treadmill desks, on-site gyms, and comprehensive wellness programs encourage physical activity and well-being in the workplace. Older Age: The Million Hearts Initiative aims to prevent heart disease and strokes by focusing on the “ABC’s” of cardiovascular health: Aspirin use, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation. These initiatives aim to improve public health throughout different stages of life by encouraging healthier lifestyle choices and reducing risk factors associated with chronic diseases. Historical Approaches to Health in Canada This image outlines different Historical Approaches to Health in Canada, focusing on how health has been viewed and addressed over time: 1.Theories of Indigenous Health: Indigenous perspectives on health, which often focus on holistic and community-based approaches, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental balance. 2.Labonte’s (1993) Multidimensional Conceptualization of Health: Health is seen as more than just the absence of illness. It includes social, emotional, and mental well-being in addition to physical health. 3.Medical Approach: A traditional view of health that focuses mainly on diagnosing and treating diseases using medical interventions. 4.Behavioural Approach: This approach emphasizes the role of personal lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and smoking, in influencing overall health. 5.Socioenvironmental Approach: This approach looks at how social and environmental factors, like poverty, education, and living conditions, influence health outcomes. It emphasizes the need for broader changes in society to improve public health. These approaches reflect a shift from focusing solely on treating illness to a more comprehensive view that includes prevention and addressing social determinants of health. Theories of Indigenous health This image explains the Theories of Indigenous Health, focusing on Medicine Wheel teachings, which is a core part of many Indigenous cultures’ health and wellness views. Medicine Wheel: It is a circular representation that symbolizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. Four Elements of Health: Body: Physical health. Mind: Mental health. Emotions: Emotional well-being. Spirit: Spiritual health. Balance: Indigenous health teachings emphasize the importance of balance among emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental aspects to maintain overall well-being. Sacredness: There’s a core belief in the sacredness of life and health. Treatment Methods: Indigenous approaches to health include ceremonial practices, herbal remedies, medicinal methods, and storytelling, reflecting a holistic approach to healing. This framework highlights the need to maintain balance across different areas of life for true well-being. Labonte (1993): Multidimensional Conceptualization of Health This diagram presents Labonte’s (1993) Multidimensional Conceptualization of Health, which explains health as a complex and overlapping relationship between health, illness, and disease. Here’s a simple breakdown of the areas shown in the diagram: Circle A (Health): Represents being healthy or well, which includes feeling energetic, having good social connections, a sense of purpose, and being part of a community. Circle B (Illness): Represents feeling ill, but sometimes this illness cannot be explained by traditional medical research or science. Circle C (Feeling “So-So”): Represents a state where someone feels “okay,” on the edge of either wellness or illness. Circle D (Diagnosed Illness): This area shows when an illness has been diagnosed by a doctor, validating the feeling of being unwell. Circle E (Feeling “So-So” with Diagnosis): Someone might feel “so-so” but have been diagnosed with a disease or illness. Circle F (Undiagnosed Disease): This represents people who have an illness or disease (like hypertension or cancer) but might not know it yet because it hasn’t been diagnosed. Circle G (Diagnosed but Feeling Well): People in this category have been diagnosed with an illness or disease but still feel healthy or well. In essence, Labonte’s model shows that health isn’t just about having or not having a disease—it’s more complicated and involves how we feel and how we are diagnosed. Medical, Behavioural, Socio environmental Approaches This image explains three approaches to health: Medical, Behavioural, and Socioenvironmental. 1.Medical Approach (Post-WW2): Focuses on medical interventions to restore health. Health is seen as the absence of disease, and medical treatments are used to fix health problems. Based on understanding risk factors and diseases (pathology). 2.Behavioural Approach (Lalonde Report, 1974): Health is viewed as an individual’s responsibility. Health is determined by lifestyle choices, the environment, human biology, and healthcare systems. Encourages people to take control of their health by making healthier choices like exercising, eating well, and avoiding risky behaviors. 3.Socioenvironmental Approach (Mid-1980s): Critiques the Behavioural Approach for focusing too much on individual responsibility and not enough on the broader environment. Recognizes that social and environmental factors (like poverty or unsafe living conditions) play a huge role in health. Examines how a person’s surroundings, both social and physical, influence their health behaviors and outcomes. These approaches show the evolution of thinking about health from purely medical treatments to considering individual responsibility and then recognizing the larger social and environmental context. Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986) This image explains the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986), which emphasizes that society, not just individuals, is responsible for promoting health. Here’s a simple explanation: Prerequisites for Health: For people to be healthy, certain basic needs must be met: Peace, Shelter, Education, Food, Income, Stable ecosystem, Sustainable resources, Social justice, and Equity. Strategies to Promote Health: 1.Building healthy public policy: Governments should make policies that prioritize health in all areas. 2.Creating supportive environments: Communities and workplaces should be designed to support healthy living. 3.Strengthening community action: Encouraging communities to work together to improve health. 4.Developing personal skills: Helping individuals learn the skills needed to maintain and improve their health. 5.Reorienting health services: Shifting health services to focus more on prevention and well-being rather than just treating illness. The Ottawa Charter focuses on creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life. Achieving Health for All (1986) This image explains the Achieving Health for All (1986) framework, which focuses on promoting health for everyone. Here’s a simple breakdown: Aim:The goal is to achieve health for all. Health Challenges: Reducing Inequities: Making sure everyone has access to health, no matter their background or situation. Increasing Prevention: Taking steps to prevent health issues before they happen. Enhancing Coping: Helping people deal with health challenges more effectively. Health Promotion Mechanisms: Self-Care: Encouraging people to take care of their own health. Mutual Aid: Supporting each other in communities to improve health. Healthy Environments: Creating environments that promote good health, like clean air and safe spaces. Implementation Strategies: Fostering Public Participation: Involving people in decisions that affect their health. Strengthening Community Health Services: Improving local healthcare services. Coordinating Healthy Public Policy: Governments creating policies that support health. This framework highlights that achieving health for all requires a mix of personal responsibility, community support, and government policies. Determinants of Health a n d Social Determinants of Health This image lists the Determinants of Health, which are factors that influence a person’s health. Here’s a brief explanation of each: 1.Income and Social Status: Higher income and status often lead to better health due to access to resources. 2.Social Support Networks: Strong relationships with family, friends, and community help people cope with health challenges. 3.Education and Literacy: Education improves health by increasing knowledge, skills, and opportunities. 4.Employment and Working Conditions: Safe and stable work environments contribute to better health. 5.Physical Environments: Clean air, safe housing, and access to clean water positively impact health. 6.Biological and Genetic Endowments: Genetic makeup can affect susceptibility to certain diseases. 7.Individual Health Practices and Coping Skills: Healthy lifestyle choices, like exercising and managing stress, improve health. 8.Healthy Child Development: Early childhood experiences and environment shape long-term health outcomes. 9.Health Care Services: Access to medical care is essential for preventing and treating health problems. 10.Gender: Gender can influence health due to differences in biology and socially constructed roles. 11.Culture: Cultural beliefs and practices can affect health behaviors and access to care. 12.Social Environments: The communities and relationships around us can impact our mental and physical health. These determinants show that health is influenced by a combination of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors. Strategies to Influence Health Determinants this image explains two main Strategies to Influence Health Determinants: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. 1. Health Promotion: Goal: To improve well-being and help individuals reach their full potential (self-actualization). Focus: It encourages people to take control over the factors that determine their health, such as lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, etc.). Example: Educating people about healthy habits and how to manage stress can promote better health. 2. Disease Prevention: Goal: To prevent illness and disease from occurring or worsening. Three Levels of Prevention: Primary Prevention: Actions taken to prevent disease before it occurs (e.g., vaccinations, healthy eating, regular exercise). Secondary Prevention: Early detection of diseases to prevent progression (e.g., cancer screenings). Tertiary Prevention: Managing disease to prevent complications or further decline (e.g., rehabilitation for stroke patients). Health Education: It fits into both health promotion and disease prevention by providing people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed health decisions. This image shows that improving health involves both promoting wellness and actively preventing diseases through education and proactive strategies. Population Health Promotion Model his image shows the Population Health Promotion Model, which helps explain how to take action to improve health across different levels of society. Here’s a breakdown of its key components: 1. WHO: This asks with whom can we act to improve health. It shows different levels where action can be taken: Individual: Promoting healthy behaviors like personal care and lifestyle choices. Family: Improving health within families, such as supporting child development. Community: Encouraging local actions like community support networks. Sector/System: Working with larger systems like education and healthcare sectors to promote health for all. 2. WHAT: This asks what areas of health we can focus on for action, based on determinants of health like: Income, social status, education, employment, physical environments, genetics, health services, and more. 3. HOW: This focuses on how we can improve health using strategies from the Ottawa Charter, such as: Building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, and reorienting health services to focus on prevention and well-being. 4. WHY: This section explains why we should take action, using: Evidence-based decision-making: Using research and evaluations to inform health actions. Values and Assumptions: Ensuring decisions reflect community needs, resources, and cultural values. Overall, this model helps guide public health efforts by looking at who to act with, what areas to address, how to take action, and why decisions should be made based on evidence and values. (WEEK 2) Class 2: Tuesday, September 17 - The Nursing Process; Safety in Practice Describe how the nursing process is used to inform nursing care. Identify the three categories of risks to patient safety within the health care environment. Discuss the speciﬁc risks to safety related to individuals & each developmental stage. Identify methods used to assess & maintain a safe environment for client including the identiﬁcation of client allergies. Assess the client’s need for a safe, comfortable, & hygienic environment. Nursing Process Deliberate, problem-solving approach to meet the health care and nursing needs of patients. Involves assessment (data collection), nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, with subsequent modiﬁcations used as feedback mechanisms that promote the resolution of the nursing diagnoses. Process is cyclical, steps are interrelated, interdependent, and recurrent. THE NURSING PROCESS The image you provided outlines the nursing process, a structured framework used by nurses to deliver patient care. It consists of ﬁve key steps, commonly abbreviated as ADPIE: 1.Assessment: In this phase, nurses gather information about the patient by asking questions and observing. This includes collecting subjective (what the patient says) and objective (what the nurse observes) data. 2.Diagnosis: The nurse identiﬁes the patient’s health problems based on the assessment. Problems are prioritized, and a nursing diagnosis is determined. This information is shared with the healthcare team. 3.Planning: Nurses develop goals and desired outcomes for patient care. This involves prioritizing the identiﬁed problems and creating a plan of action to address them. 4.Implementation: In this stage, the nurse puts the plan into action. It involves carrying out nursing interventions, organizing and managing care, and educating the patient. 5.Evaluation: Finally, the nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the interventions. They analyze the patient’s responses, document any changes, and observe for signs and symptoms to determine whether the goals are met or if the plan needs to be revised. Each of these steps ensures a systematic approach to patient care, helping nurses address patient needs comprehensively. Assessing Systematically Collecting data Organizing data Validating: act of “double-checking” or verifying data to conﬁrm that it is accurate and factual. Documenting data Goal Establish a database about the client’s response to health concerns or illness Types of Assessments Initial (time consuming) Establishes complete database Problem- focused (few mins – few hours) Determines status of a speciﬁc problem Emergency (at any time) Identiﬁes new or overlooked life-threatening issues Time-lapsed (3, 6, 9 months or btw assess) Compares current status to baseline Diagnosing Aka Analysing Analyzing and synthesizing data Goals Identify client strengths Identify health problems that can be prevented or resolved Develop a list of nursing & collaborative problems Types of Nursing Diagnosis Actual - Problem present at the time of the assessment Risk - Problem does not exist, risk factors do Wellness – Readiness for enhancement Possible - Evidence about a health problem incomplete or unclear Syndrome – refers to a cluster of other diagnoses that occur in a pattern or can be addressed through similar interventions Planning Determining how to prevent, reduce, or resolve identiﬁed priority client problems Determining how to support client strengths Determining how to implement nursing interventions in an organized, individualized, and goal-directed manner Guidelines For Writing Goal/Outcome Statements Write in terms of the client responses Must be realistic Ensure compatibility with the therapies of other professionals Derive from only one nursing diagnosis SMART - Use observable, measurable terms Componets of Goal desired outcome The image you provided shows Table 13-4: Components of Goals/Desired Outcomes, which is a tool used in nursing care planning to create speciﬁc, measurable, and achievable patient outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of each component: 1.Subject: This refers to the patient or client who will achieve the goal. 2.Verb: This indicates the action that the patient will perform. For example, “drinks,” “administers,” or “recalls” are speciﬁc verbs describing what the client will do. 3.Conditions/Modiﬁers: These provide further details about the circumstances under which the action is performed. This might include a speciﬁc amount (e.g., “2500 mL of ﬂuid”), a situation (e.g., “after reading literature”), or a physical measurement (e.g., “less than 10 inches in circumference”). 4.Criterion of Desired Performance: This sets the standard or time frame for when or how the goal will be achieved. For instance, the action might need to be completed “daily,” “before discharge,” or within a certain number of hours. Examples in the Table: Client drinks 2500 mL of ﬂuid daily: The client is expected to drink a speciﬁc amount of ﬂuid each day. Client lists three hazards of smoking after reading literature, indicated by accuracy in identifying the hazards: The client will be able to list three dangers of smoking after reviewing information. Client walks the length of the hall without a cane by the date of discharge: The goal is for the client to walk a speciﬁed distance unaided by the time they are discharged. This structured format ensures that the goals are clear, measurable, and speciﬁc, which aids in tracking patient progress and outcomes. Implementation Carrying out (or delegating) and documenting planned nursing interventions Without implementing, there is nothing to evaluate Goals Assist the client to meet desired goals/outcomes Promote wellness Prevent illness and disease Restore health Facilitate coping with altered functioning Types of Nursing Interventions Direct - intervention performed through interaction with the client Indirect - performed away from but on behalf of the client Independent interventions – initiated by the nurse Dependent interventions - actions that do require orders or directions from physicians Collaborative interventions – with other professionals Evaluating Evaluating and assessing phases overlap Evaluating is a planned, ongoing, purposeful activity to determine the client’s progress toward achievement of goals/ outcomes and the effectiveness of the nursing care plan. Determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the plan of care Components Of the Evaluation Process Collecting data related to the desired outcomes Comparing the data with outcomes Relating nursing activities to outcomes Drawing conclusions about problem status Continuing, modifying, or terminating the nursing care plan Safety Five goals of the Canadian Quality and Patient Safety Framework for Health Services 1. People-Centred Care 2. Safe Care 3. Accessible Care 4. Appropriate Care 5. Integrated Care Factors Inﬂuencing Safety Patient and health care provider factors Task factors Technology factors Environmental factors Organizational factors Staff Safety Environmental risk: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Infection prevention and control Violence Promoting Your Safety Environmental scan Universal precautions Nails and hair Stethoscope Footwear and support stockings Body mechanics Risks to Client Safety Falls (account for up to 90% of reported incidents) Procedure-related accidents: medication & ﬂuid administration errors, improper application of external devices, improper performance of procedures (i.e. foley catheter insertion), surgical infections Equipment-related accidents: malfunction, disrepair or misuse of equipment or electrical hazards Critical Thinking In patient safety, critical thinking is an ongoing process. Employer guidelines and professional nursing associations provide standards for nursing activities such as medication administration, steps to prevent falls, and infection control. Nurses use the nursing process when planning care. Promoting Client Safety The image you provided is focused on Promoting Client Safety, a critical aspect of nursing care. It includes pictures of wristbands used in healthcare settings to identify speciﬁc safety needs for patients. Here’s a breakdown of what these images likely represent: 1.Allergy Wristband (Left): This band is used to indicate that the patient has an allergy. It’s vital for healthcare providers to be aware of allergies (e.g., to medications, latex, foods) to avoid administering or exposing the patient to allergens that could cause adverse reactions. 2.Fall Risk Wristband (Center): The wristband labeled “FALL” is a common way to mark patients who are at high risk for falls. This helps alert all healthcare providers to take extra precautions to prevent the patient from falling, such as ensuring the bed is in a low position, using mobility aids, or providing assistance with walking. 3.Identiﬁcation Wristband (Right): The ﬁnal wristband contains identifying information about the patient, such as their name, date of birth, medical record number, and other pertinent details. This helps prevent errors related to misidentiﬁcation, ensuring that all treatments, medications, and procedures are accurately matched to the correct patient. These wristbands are part of broader safety measures that help ensure patient safety by making important health risks or needs immediately visible to caregivers. By using such visual cues, healthcare teams can reduce the risk of medical errors and improve the quality of care. (WEEK 3) Class 3: Tuesday, September 24 - Infection Prevention and Control Explain how an infection develops in relation to the elements that make up the chain of transmission. Explain how the body protects itself against infection. Describe what a health care associated infection (HAI) is, how they develop, & relate the development of HAIs to clients who are most susceptible. Explain what an antimicrobial resistant organism (ARO) is. Explain the rationale & demonstrate the practice of routine & additional precautions including contact, droplet, & airborne precautions. Distinguish how routine practices & isolation precautions break the chain of infection. Examine a risk assessment approach for decision making related to the use of isolation precautions. Explain the proper procedure for hand hygiene & how to properly don (put on) & doff (remove) personal protective equipment (PPE) Knowledge of Infection Transmission Micro-organisms grow on inanimate objects, in air, food, soil, plants, animals and humans Non-pathogens: do not cause illness Pathogens: capable of causing illness Communicable: can be transmitted from person to person Invasive Procedure: a body cavity, organ is entered by puncture or incision CHAIN OF TRANSMISON The image you provided illustrates the Chain of Transmission, which describes how infections spread from one person to another. Breaking any link in this chain can help prevent the spread of infections. Here are the components in the chain: 1.Infectious Agent (The Germ): This is the microorganism or pathogen (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) that causes the disease. 2.Reservoir (Hiding Places): The reservoir is where the infectious agent lives and multiplies. This can include humans, animals, water, food, or soil. It’s the “hiding place” where the germ can survive before infecting others. 3.Portal of Exit (Way Out): This is the path the infectious agent takes to leave the reservoir. Examples include the respiratory tract (coughing, sneezing), blood, or bodily ﬂuids. 4.Means of Transmission (Getting Around): This refers to how the infectious agent is transmitted to a susceptible host. Transmission can occur through direct contact (person-to-person), indirect contact (touching contaminated surfaces), droplets, or airborne routes. 5.Portal of Entry (Way In): This is the way the infectious agent enters the new host, such as through the respiratory system, open wounds, mucous membranes, or the digestive system. 6.Susceptible Host (Next Sick Person): The susceptible host is the individual who can potentially get infected. Factors like age, immune status, chronic diseases, and health conditions make someone more vulnerable to infections. Purpose of the Chain: The chain of transmission highlights that to prevent the spread of infection, one or more of these links must be broken. For example, proper handwashing can interrupt the “means of transmission,” and covering coughs and sneezes can reduce the “portal of exit.” By understanding each part of this chain, healthcare providers can implement measures to stop the spread of infectious diseases. Infection Prevention - Control of Transmission Asepsis: absence of pathogenic microorganisms Aseptic Technique: practices that keeps a client as free from pathogens as possible 2 types: medical & surgical asepsis Control or elimination of infectious agent Control or elimination of reservoirs Control of portals of exit/entry Control of transmission Protection of the susceptible host Infection Control Two goals of infection control: Protect patients from acquiring infections Protect healthcare workers from becoming infected FACTS ABOUT ARE HANDS The image titled “Fact About Our Hands” presents important information about hand hygiene, particularly emphasizing the role hands play in the transmission of microorganisms and infections. Here’s an explanation of the key points in the image: 1.Only 1 in 3 people wash their hands after using the restroom: This statistic highlights poor hand hygiene practices. It indicates that a signiﬁcant portion of the population fails to wash their hands after using the restroom, which increases the risk of spreading infections. 2.A single hand can have a population count of more than 200 million bacteria per square inch: After using the restroom, hands can become heavily contaminated with bacteria. If hands are not washed properly, these bacteria can spread to other surfaces, objects, or individuals, facilitating the transmission of diseases. 3.Organisms can survive on hands for varying lengths of time (2-60 minutes): Following contact with a contaminated environment or patients, pathogens can remain viable on hands for a period of time, depending on the type of organism. This shows how easily infections can spread from one person or surface to another through contaminated hands. 4.Hands are the most common vehicle for microorganism transmission: This statement reinforces the idea that hands are the primary means by which microorganisms, including harmful bacteria and viruses, are spread. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the transmission of infections. Key Takeaway: The slide emphasizes the critical role of handwashing in infection control. Regular and thorough handwashing, especially after using the restroom or coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, is vital for reducing the risk of spreading harmful microorganisms and ensuring public health safety. HCAI = Health Care Associated Infection Transmission of organisms by hands of health care providers between two patients can result in health care associated infections (HCAI’s) -- aka nosocomial infections ARO = Antibiotic Resistant Organism A microorganism that has developed resistance to the action of several antimicrobial agents (antibiotics) and that is of special clinical or epidemiological signiﬁcance. aka MDRO = multi drug resistant organisms Hand Hygiene a general term referring to any action of hand cleaning. Hand hygiene relates to the removal of visible soil and removal or killing of transient microorganisms from the hands while maintaining good skin integrity. an effective strategy to prevent health care-associated infections (HAI) and limit the transmission of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant organisms (ARO). a required practice for all health care providers, is recommended in all national and international infection control guidelines and is a basic expectation of patients and their families TWO DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS The image explains the distinction between two environments within a healthcare setting: the Health Care Environment and the Patient Environment. 1. Health Care Environment: This refers to areas outside the patient’s immediate vicinity. In a single room, it includes everything beyond the patient’s room (e.g., hallways, nurses’ stations). In a multiple-patient room, it includes everything that is outside of the patient’s bed area. Essentially, it refers to the broader healthcare facility outside of where direct patient care occurs. 2. Patient Environment: This is the area immediately surrounding the patient. In a single room, it refers to everything within the patient’s room. In a multiple-patient room, it includes everything that is in close proximity to the patient, like their bed, the bedside table, and equipment used speciﬁcally for that patient. It encompasses the space dedicated to the patient’s care and daily activities. Key Takeaway: The image highlights the importance of distinguishing between these two areas to ensure appropriate infection control practices, cleanliness, and patient safety. For instance, more rigorous cleaning protocols may apply in the patient environment due to the higher risk of contamination compared to the broader health care environment. 4 MOMENT OF HAND HYGEINE The image outlines the 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene, a key practice in infection control within healthcare settings. These moments emphasize when healthcare workers should clean their hands to prevent the transmission of infections and protect both patients and staff. Here’s a breakdown of each moment: 1. Before Initial Patient/Patient Environment Contact: Hand hygiene should be performed before touching the patient or their environment (e.g., bed, medical devices). This protects the patient and their surroundings from harmful microorganisms that may be on the healthcare provider’s hands. 2. Before Aseptic Procedure: This step is critical before performing any aseptic procedures, such as inserting catheters, giving injections, or handling wounds. Cleaning hands at this point prevents harmful microorganisms, including the patient’s own, from entering sterile areas of the body. 3. After Body Fluid Exposure Risk: After any exposure or risk of exposure to body ﬂuids (e.g., blood, urine, saliva), hands should be cleaned immediately. This also applies after removing gloves, as gloves are not 100% effective in preventing contamination. This protects healthcare workers and the environment from patient organisms 4. After Patient/Patient Environment Contact: Once a healthcare worker is done with patient care or has touched the patient’s environment (e.g., bedrails, IV stands), hand hygiene is required before leaving. This protects the healthcare worker and others from potentially harmful microorganisms the patient may carry. Summary: These “4 Moments of Hand Hygiene” provide a structured approach to ensuring that hand hygiene is practiced at the most critical times during patient care. By following these steps, healthcare providers help reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can be detrimental to patient health. impediments to good hand hygiene Nails should be short (not past the end of the ﬁnger) no artiﬁcial nails nail polish should be fresh (less than 4 days old ) and not chipped Jewelry avoid any jewelry as this harbor's microorganisms bracelets should not be worn rings should not be worn, but if so – should be limited to a solid wedding band Watches should be removed prior to hand hygiene OR be pushed up on the arm Hands intact skin is the ﬁrst line of defense ensure skin is in good condition – moisturize regularly 2 Types of Hand Hygiene Antimicrobial Soap/ Antiseptic Soap Soap (detergent) that contains an antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorhexidine, hexachlorophene, iodine compounds, triclosan, chloroxylenol/PCMX) to reduce the numbers of microorganisms on the skin. Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) A liquid, gel or foam formulation of alcohol which is used to reduce the number of microorganisms on hands in clinical situations when the hands are not visibly soiled. ABHRs contain emollients to reduce skin irritation and are less time-consuming to use than washing with soap and water. Alcohol-Based Hand Rub USE WHEN HANDS ARE NOT VISIBLY SOILED This is the gold standard of hand hygiene when hand are not visibly soiled ABHR is less time consuming to use than washing with soap and water Do not use water with these products Available as liquids, gels or foams Contain 70 – 90 % alcohol How to Use Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Ensure hands are visibly clean (if soiled, follow hand washing steps) and dry. Apply one to two full pumps of product onto one palm; the volume should be such that 15 seconds of rubbing is required for drying. Spread product over all surfaces of hands, concentrating on ﬁngertips, between ﬁngers, back of hands, and base of thumbs ( these are the most commonly missed areas.) Continue rubbing hands until product is dry. This will take a minimum of 15 seconds if suﬃcient product is used. https://youtu.be/sDUJ4CAYhpA Soap and Water Hand Wash Use when hands ARE visibly soiled. BAR soaps are NOT to be used unless they are dedicated to personal use for one patient only. Bar soap should be stored where it can drain and dry between uses. How to Hand Wash Wet hands with warm (not hot or cold) water ( hot or cold water is hard on the hands and will lead to dryness. ) Apply liquid or foam soap. Vigorously lather all surfaces of hands for a minimum of 15 seconds. ( Removal of transient or acquired bacteria requires a minimum of 15 seconds of friction.) Pay particular attention to ﬁngertips, between ﬁngers, backs of hands and base of the thumbs; these are the most missed areas. Using a rubbing motion, thoroughly rinse soap from hands; residual soap can lead to dryness and cracking of skin. Dry hands thoroughly by blotting hands gently with a paper towel; rubbing vigorously with paper towels can damage the skin. Turn off taps with paper towel, to avoid recontamination of the hands. DO NOT use ABHR immediately after washing hands, as skin irritation will be increased https://youtu.be/o9hjmqes72I Gloves DO DON'T REPLACE THE NEED FOR HAND HYGIENE !!! Hands must be cleaned before donning gloves for an aseptic/clean procedure and after glove removal. Gloves must be removed immediately and discarded after the activity for which they were used and before exiting the environment of a client/patient/resident. Change or remove gloves if moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site within the same client/patient/resident Gloves must not be washed or re-used. Gloves must never be re-worn between clients Wearing gloves can help reduce transmission of pathogens in health care settings. However, gloves do not provide complete protection against hand contamination. When should I wear gloves? Wear gloves when it is anticipated that the hands will be in contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin or body ﬂuids Mucous membranes: inside mouth, vagina, or anus, nose, eyelids, trachea, etc Non- intact skin: cuts, chapped skin, scrapes, wounds, etc Body ﬂuids (any ﬂuid produced by the body): sputum, stool, urine, vomit, blood, pus, saliva, etc Donning Gloves putte https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIBmi578NmE&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc on 9JtqYA16UQ&index=8 Doﬃng Gloves potty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDl0Zj573Js&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9 JtqYA16UQ&index=6 Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) VRE It's an infection with bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic called vancomycin. intere Enterococcus is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines and the female genital tract. uggen It usually doesn't make us sick. VRE can spread from person to person through direct contact with an infected person. This is either directly from the hands of another person or indirectly from environmental surfaces or medical equipment that have become contaminated. Clostridium Diﬃcile (C-Diff) Clostridium diﬃcile is a spore-forming bacterium that causes serious diarrhea and intestinal illness in individuals following treatment with antibiotics. Patients on isolation for C. Diff will require contact isolation. This means that the health care worker will not want to come in contact with the patients’ stool. As such – they will need to wear both gowns and gloves when they enter the patient environment. The next slides show how you would apply (aka DON) and remove (aka DOFF), your gown and gloves to care for the prior patients with VRE and C. Diff Donning Gown & Gloves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YybqhkIL9M&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9JtqYA16UQ&in dex=15 Doﬃng Gown & Gloves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk4A96IW8bQ&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9 JtqYA16UQ&index=20 Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It's tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus -- or staph -- because it's resistant to some commonly used antibiotics. If it is on the skin or in wounds, the patient would be on contact isolation. However – if the patient has it in their lungs – such as with an MRSA pneumonia, they would be on droplet isolation, and require gowns, masks, eyewear as well as gloves to enter the room to care for this patient. The next couple of slides show how to DON and DOFF these items. Donning Mask & Eyewear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YiLjpLXvg4&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9J tqYA16UQ&index=5 Doﬃng Mask & Eyewear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFJaU9nxmTA&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc 9JtqYA16UQ&index=9 Donning Full PPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2z1uM1fXN8&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9 JtqYA16UQ&index=1 Doﬃng Full PPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crGlUX3_4DA&list=PUVHo7YRHEGDvc9 JtqYA16UQ&index=3 DISEASE SPECIFIC ISOLATION RECODENADTIONS The image appears to show a chart labeled “Disease-Speciﬁc Isolation Recommendations” that outlines different types of precautions based on various infectious diseases. Here’s an explanation of each section: 1.Standard Precautions: These precautions apply to the basic level of infection control and are used for all patients, regardless of their known or suspected infection status. They include diseases like: CMV (Cytomegalovirus) HIV Hepatitis B and C Aspergillosis These infections do not require special isolation precautions beyond standard infection control practices like hand hygiene and the use of gloves and masks when necessary. 2.Contact Precautions: These are used when infections or diseases can be spread by direct contact with the patient or indirectly through surfaces or items. Diseases listed under this category include: MRSA (if respiratory infection is present, mask required) VRE Adenovirus Diarrhea-causing agents like C. diﬃcile, Rotavirus E. coli O157, Enterovirus, Salmonella, Shigella Hepatitis A, localized Herpes Zoster (shingles), Herpes simplex, RSV (if productive cough), Scabies, Lice Chicken pox (if symptomatic and until all lesions are crusted and dried) 3.Droplet Precautions: These are for diseases that can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Diseases include: Pertussis (whooping cough) Inﬂuenza A or B MRSA (respiratory infection) Neisseria meningitidis (suspected or conﬁrmed) Coxsackie virus Bacterial meningitis (for 24 hours after effective antibiotic therapy) RSV, Mumps, Rubella 4.Airborne Precautions: These are for diseases that can spread through the air over long distances. These require special ventilation or N-95 masks. Conditions listed here include: Chickenpox (Varicella) Disseminated Herpes Zoster (shingles) Measles N-95 masks are required for: Tuberculosis (TB) SARS Avian Inﬂuenza This chart helps healthcare workers understand which precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of different diseases, ensuring both patient and staff safety. (PERSONAL RISK ASSESSMENT PRA) This image is a Personal Risk Assessment (PRA) guide that helps healthcare workers determine the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required based on the potential for contamination in various situations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved: Purpose: The PRA aims to protect healthcare workers from potential contamination by encouraging them to identify risks and wear appropriate PPE. Before entering a patient’s room or providing care, staff are asked to consider three questions to determine the PPE needed. This is in addition to wearing a standard mask. Key Questions in the Risk Assessment: 1.Is there a risk my hands will be contaminated (e.g., body ﬂuids, soiled items)? Yes: If there is a risk of contamination to the hands (from body ﬂuids or soiled items), perform hand hygiene and wear gloves. No: If there is no risk, perform hand hygiene only (no gloves needed). 2.Is there a risk my clothing or skin will be contaminated (e.g., body ﬂuids, soiled items)? Yes: If there is a risk of contamination to the skin or clothing, perform hand hygiene, and in addition to gloves, wear a gown. No: If there is no such risk, just perform hand hygiene. 3.Is there a risk my face (eyes, nose, or mouth) will be contaminated (e.g., from body ﬂuids, soiled items, or being within 2 meters (6 feet) of a coughing or vomiting resident)? Yes: If there’s a risk of face contamination (e.g., from ﬂuids or close proximity to a coughing or vomiting person), perform hand hygiene and wear a gown, gloves, and additional face protection (goggles, face shield) beyond your mask. No: If there’s no such risk, perform hand hygiene only. Key Messages: Hand hygiene is required in all scenarios before and after PPE use, as it is the basic and most essential protective measure. PPE components such as gloves, gowns, and face protection (in addition to masks) are added progressively depending on the level of risk posed by the situation. This ﬂow helps healthcare workers adjust their PPE usage to the situation’s risk, ensuring they are neither overprotected nor underprotected in clinical environments. Routine PracticesUsed to be called “Standard” First level of precautions, for ALL clients All patients have risk to transfer unknown infection In any setting, regardless of diagnosis or presumed infectiousness Appropriate use of: gowns, gloves, masks, eye wear & other protective devices, depending on need for barrier, and planned activity Routine practices also include guidelines for appropriate hand washing, cleaning of equipment, disposal of contaminated linen, and sharps/needles CONTACT PRECAUTIONS This image provides information regarding Contact Precautions in a healthcare setting. Here’s a detailed explanation: Contact Precautions: Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious agents that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. These precautions are critical in preventing infections that are easily spread via touch. Key Instructions: 1.Visitors Report to Nurse Before Entry: Visitors must check in with a nurse before entering the patient’s room. This ensures that they are informed about the necessary precautions they must take and are provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 2.Handwashing: Handwashing is required after all patient or environmental contact and after glove removal. This is to prevent the transfer of contaminants to other surfaces or individuals after patient care. Hand hygiene is the primary defense against the spread of infection and must be rigorously adhered to. 3.Gloves: Gloves are required for all patient or environmental contact. Gloves protect the healthcare worker’s hands from being contaminated with infectious agents. They must be worn when touching the patient, any surfaces, or objects in the patient’s environment. 4.Long-Sleeved Gown: A long-sleeved gown is required for all patient or environmental contact. The gown helps to protect the healthcare worker’s clothing and skin from being contaminated. The long sleeves ensure that the entire arm is covered to prevent accidental contamination when in contact with the patient or surroundings. These instructions are part of a broader infection control protocol to reduce the spread of infections that can be transmitted through physical contact, ensuring the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Gowns This image shows gowns, which are a key component of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings. Here’s an explanation of their importance, when they should be used, and why they are crucial: Importance of Gowns: Gowns are worn to protect healthcare workers’ skin and clothing from contamination. They create a barrier that helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents from patients to staff and vice versa. Gowns help to minimize the risk of contamination from bodily ﬂuids, pathogens, and other contaminants that could be transferred through direct contact. When to Use Gowns: 1.Contact Precautions: Gowns should be worn when there is a risk of direct contact with a patient who has an infection that can be spread through physical touch (e.g., MRSA, C. diﬃcile). These gowns protect the healthcare worker’s clothing and skin from becoming contaminated when providing care. 2.Droplet or Airborne Precautions: In some situations, gowns are used in combination with other PPE (such as masks, gloves, and eye protection) to provide comprehensive protection when dealing with patients who may spread diseases via droplets or through the air (e.g., inﬂuenza, tuberculosis). This protects against ﬂuids expelled during coughing, sneezing, or medical procedures. 3.Procedures Involving Bodily Fluids: Gowns are worn during medical procedures where there is a high likelihood of exposure to blood, secretions, excretions, or other bodily ﬂuids. This includes surgeries, wound care, and the handling of soiled items. 4.Environmental Contamination: Gowns are also required when handling or working in an environment contaminated by infectious agents (e.g., cleaning a room of a patient with a contagious infection). Why Gowns are Important: 1.Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Gowns help to prevent the healthcare worker’s skin or clothing from being contaminated with infectious materials. This reduces the risk of the healthcare worker carrying pathogens to other areas of the healthcare facility or to other patients. 2.Infection Control: Gowns are an essential part of a broader infection control protocol. Along with hand hygiene, gloves, and face protection, gowns play a role in interrupting the transmission of infectious diseases in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments. 3.Protection Against Infectious Agents: By acting as a physical barrier, gowns provide protection against pathogens that can cause serious infections. They are particularly important in the care of immunocompromised patients or those who have highly contagious diseases. Proper Use of Gowns: Putting On (Donning): Healthcare workers must ensure that the gown fully covers their torso from neck to knees and that sleeves cover the arms completely. The gown should be tied at the neck and waist for a snug ﬁt. Removing (Doﬃng): After use, gowns must be carefully removed to avoid contaminating the skin or clothing. The outside of the gown is considered contaminated, so the gown should be peeled away from the body without touching the outside surface. Gowns are a critical component of PPE for maintaining safety in healthcare settings, both for healthcare workers and patients. FINDING YOUR GLOVE SIZE This image provides information on how to ﬁnd the right glove size for healthcare workers. Properly ﬁtting gloves are crucial for ensuring both safety and comfort during use. Here’s an explanation of the process and its importance: How to Find Your Glove Size: 1.Measure the Circumference of Your Hand: Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your dominant hand (the hand you use the most, such as the right hand for right-handed individuals). Measure just below your knuckles, excluding the thumb. This part of the hand provides the best indicator for glove sizing. 2.Compare the Measurement to the Size Chart: After taking the measurement, compare it to the size chart to determine your glove size: XS (Extra Small): 6-7 inches S (Small): 7-8 inches M (Medium): 8-9 inches L (Large): 9-10 inches XL (Extra Large): 10-11 inches XXL (Double Extra Large): 11-12 inches This ensures that you select the correct glove size based on your hand’s measurement, which is important for both performance and safety. Importance of Correct Glove Sizing: 1.Safety: Gloves that are too loose can slip off, compromising the protective barrier between the healthcare worker and potential contaminants. Loose gloves also increase the risk of contaminating surfaces during use. Gloves that are too tight can tear more easily, leaving the wearer exposed to infectious materials or chemicals. 2.Comfort: Properly ﬁtting gloves reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use, improving dexterity and ease of performing tasks like handling instruments, writing, or adjusting equipment. Ill-ﬁtting gloves (either too small or too large) can lead to discomfort, making it harder to perform ﬁne motor tasks, which may also increase the risk of accidents or errors. 3.Infection Control: Gloves are a vital part of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of infection. Wearing the correct size ensures the glove covers the skin completely and maintains a secure ﬁt, which is essential for protecting both the healthcare worker and the patient from contamination. Glove Types: The image shows different types of gloves, typically used in healthcare, including disposable latex or nitrile gloves, which are common for patient care. These gloves are single-use and discarded after contact with each patient to reduce the spread of infectious agents. In summary, ﬁnding the right glove size is a crucial step in maintaining safety and effectiveness in a healthcare setting. Properly sized gloves improve both protection and functionality during patient care. DROPLET PRECAUTIONS This image provides guidance on Droplet Precautions, which are a speciﬁc type of infection control measure used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets. Here’s a detailed explanation: Droplet Precautions: Droplet precautions are used to protect healthcare workers, visitors, and other patients from infections that are spread by droplets. These droplets are produced when a person talks, sneezes, or coughs. They are generally larger than airborne particles and usually travel only a short distance (about 3-6 feet). Diseases that may require droplet precautions include inﬂuenza, pertussis (whooping cough), and some forms of pneumonia. Key Instructions: 1.Visitors: Report to Nurse Before Entry: Before entering a room where droplet precautions are in effect, visitors must check in with the nurse. This ensures that they are informed of the necessary precautions and are provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like masks and possibly eye protection. 2.Handwashing: Handwashing is required after all patient or environmental contact and after glove removal. Proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the transmission of infectious agents. It should be performed: Before entering the room (to prevent bringing contaminants in), After touching the patient or the patient’s environment (to avoid spreading contaminants to other areas), and After removing gloves, which may have come into contact with infectious material. 3.Surgical Mask and Eye Protection: A surgical mask and eye protection are required when within 3 feet of the patient. The mask prevents the wearer from inhaling respiratory droplets that might be expelled by the patient. It also prevents droplets from the healthcare worker’s mouth from contaminating the patient or their environment. Eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is necessary because droplets can enter through the mucous membranes of the eyes, in addition to the nose and mouth. The 3-foot rule is based on the typical range that droplets can travel before falling to the ground, though some guidelines suggest up to 6 feet. 4.Gloves: Gloves are required for all patient or environmental contact. Gloves protect healthcare workers’ hands from direct contact with the patient or any contaminated surfaces. They should be worn when touching the patient, medical equipment, or surfaces in the patient’s room. Gloves should be changed between tasks or procedures on the same patient and removed before exiting the room. Why These Precautions Are Important: Preventing Transmission: Droplets can carry infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses, and they are a common method of transmission for many respiratory diseases. Droplet precautions are necessary to protect healthcare workers and visitors from contracting illnesses that can spread through close contact with infected individuals. Protecting Vulnerable Patients: Many patients in healthcare settings are immunocompromised or have other health issues that make them more susceptible to infections. By using PPE and following droplet precautions, healthcare workers can help minimize the risk of spreading infections. Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illnesses: Common diseases that require droplet precautions include inﬂuenza, COVID-19 (depending on the situation), pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, rubella, and bacterial meningitis. Proper use of masks, gloves, and eye protection helps contain these infections and prevent larger outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Conclusion: Droplet precautions are an essential component of infection control in environments where respiratory illnesses are present. Healthcare workers and visitors must strictly adhere to the guidelines, including using PPE and maintaining proper hand hygiene, to reduce the risk of transmission. These precautions help protect not only healthcare personnel but also other patients and visitors in the facility. Surgical Mask This image shows a surgical mask, a crucial piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings. Here’s a detailed explanation of when to use a surgical mask, why it’s important, and its role in infection prevention. When to Use a Surgical Mask: 1.During Droplet Precaution Situations: Surgical masks are worn when dealing with patients who have infections that spread via respiratory droplets. These droplets can be produced when the patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. Common conditions requiring a surgical mask include inﬂuenza, pertussis (whooping cough), and some forms of pneumonia. Healthcare workers should wear surgical masks when they are within 3 to 6 feet of a patient who is known or suspected to be infectious via respiratory droplets. 2.During Surgical or Invasive Procedures: Surgical masks are standard for healthcare workers in operating rooms and during invasive procedures to protect both the patient and the worker from the transmission of infectious agents. They prevent the healthcare worker’s respiratory droplets from contaminating a sterile ﬁeld or open wounds. 3.During Patient Care: In general patient care, especially when there is a risk of exposure to body ﬂuids, surgical masks help protect healthcare workers from inhaling infectious particles or ﬂuids. For example, this is often the case when performing procedures such as suctioning or caring for patients with respiratory infections. 4.To Protect Patients: Surgical masks may also be used by patients who are coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of their infection to others. This is commonly done in waiting areas, emergency rooms, or other patient care settings where there are vulnerable individuals. Why It’s Important: 1.Prevents Spread of Infection: Source Control: Surgical masks primarily serve to prevent the wearer from spreading respiratory droplets to others. By capturing droplets expelled from the mouth and nose, the mask minimizes the risk of contaminating the environment or infecting others. Protection: While surgical masks are not as effective as N95 respirators for ﬁltering out airborne particles, they do provide a level of protection for the wearer by blocking large respiratory droplets from entering the nose or mouth. 2.Essential in Droplet Precaution Protocols: In situations where diseases are spread via droplets (e.g., inﬂuenza, RSV), surgical masks are a key part of PPE that help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). They reduce the risk of transmission in healthcare facilities, where patients are often immunocompromised or at higher risk for complications. 3.Barrier Against Fluids: Surgical masks also act as a barrier to direct contact with bodily ﬂuids, protecting the wearer from splashes or sprays that may occur during medical procedures or patient care activities. 4.Helps Maintain a Sterile Environment: In surgical settings, wearing a mask helps maintain the sterility of the environment by reducing the risk of respiratory contamination. This protects the patient from post-surgical infections. Proper Use of Surgical Masks: 1.Wearing the Mask: Ensure the mask covers both the nose and mouth fully and ﬁts snugly on the face. Avoid touching the front of the mask once it’s in place. The mask should be discarded after use, especially after exposure to a patient or when it becomes damp or soiled. 2.Changing the Mask: A surgical mask is designed for single-use and should be replaced if it becomes moist or soiled. Prolonged use of the same mask can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of contamination. 3.Complementary PPE: In certain high-risk situations (e.g., caring for patients with respiratory infections), a surgical mask should be used in combination with other PPE such as gloves, gowns, and eye protection to ensure comprehensive protection. Conclusion: Surgical masks are a critical tool in infection control. They protect both healthcare workers and patients from infectious diseases, particularly those spread via droplets. Their proper and consistent use in healthcare environments helps reduce the spread of respiratory infections, maintain sterile conditions, and protect healthcare workers from exposure to potentially harmful agents. EYE PROTECTION The image you shared appears to show eye protection devices, such as safety goggles and a face shield. These are typically used in environments where there is a risk of eye exposure to hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological agents, or particulates. When to use them: Safety Goggles: These are essential in labs, construction, and healthcare settings where there is a risk of splashes from chemicals, blood, or other hazardous liquids. Face Shields: These are typically used in combination with other PPE like goggles or masks, especially in healthcare settings, to provide protection against respiratory droplets and splashes. Importance: Eye protection is crucial to prevent injuries, infections, or damage from dangerous substances or impacts. In healthcare, it helps protect against infection from airborne particles or droplets, especially in situations like surgeries or treating infectious diseases (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic). In industrial settings, it helps prevent accidents that can lead to vision loss or eye injuries. AIRBORNE PRECAUTIONS Airborne Precautions Overview: Airborne precautions are infection control measures used to prevent the spread of diseases that are transmitted through very small droplets or particles that remain suspended in the air for long periods. These diseases can spread over distances, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Common infections that require airborne precautions include tuberculosis, measles, chickenpox, and during certain procedures for COVID-19. Key Measures: 1.Handwashing after all patient/environmental contact and glove removal: Hand hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of infection. After coming into contact with patients, surfaces, or after removing gloves, it’s important to wash hands thoroughly. This step ensures that any potential pathogens are removed before touching any other surfaces or people. 2.Negative pressure room with door closed: A negative pressure room is a specialized environment used to isolate airborne infections. In these rooms, air is continuously removed and ﬁltered to ensure that any airborne particles are not recirculated or escape into other areas of the facility. The door must remain closed to maintain the effectiveness of the negative pressure, reducing the risk of infection spread to others. 3.N95 particulate respirator required prior to room entry: An N95 respirator is a high-eﬃciency mask that ﬁlters out at least 95% of airborne particles, including those containing bacteria and viruses. This mask is necessary for anyone entering the room to protect themselves from inhaling infectious agents. Unlike surgical masks, N95 masks provide a tight ﬁt and have a higher level of ﬁltration. Importance of these precautions: Protection for Healthcare Workers and Visitors: Airborne infections pose a high risk, especially in healthcare settings where patients with infectious diseases are treated. These precautions help protect those in close contact with infected individuals. Preventing the Spread: Airborne pathogens can travel longer distances than those spread by droplets or contact. These steps prevent pathogens from circulating and infecting others, both inside and outside of the healthcare environment. In summary, airborne precautions are critical infection control strategies used to protect healthcare workers, visitors, and patients from diseases that are easily spread through the air. Proper adherence to these guidelines is crucial to maintaining a safe environment in healthcare settings. N95 Mask The image shows N95 masks, which are important pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE). mportance: N95 masks are designed to ﬁlter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria, providing a higher level of protection than regular face masks. These masks are especially important in preventing the inhalation of infectious agents that spread through the air, such as the ﬂu, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. When to Use: Healthcare Settings: When treating patients with infectious diseases that spread through airborne particles. High-Risk Environments: When working in areas with poor ventilation or exposure to hazardous dust or smoke. Pandemic Situations: During pandemics (e.g., COVID-19) when airborne transmission is a signiﬁcant concern. In summary, N95 masks are crucial for protecting against airborne infections and are primarily used in healthcare and other high-risk environments. PPE Process Putting on PPE 1.Perform hand hygiene

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