Table of Contents

Lessons 1. Transmission-Based Precautions GoGo 2. Transmission-Based Garments GoGo 3. Isolation Units GoGo

Table of Contents  A communicable disease is a type of infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another person.  Some communicable diseases are spread through direct contact. Others may be spread through indirect contact.

Table of Contents  Not all communicable diseases are transmitted the same way.  There are many different types of communicable diseases, and health care workers must become familiar with the mode of transmission for each disease.

Table of Contents  Transmission-based precautions are used only with patients who have been diagnosed with highly communicable diseases.  Three types: ▫Airborne ▫Droplet ▫Contact

Table of Contents  Airborne precautions are used for patients with disease that are spread through tiny airborne droplets.  Precautions: ▫Isolation room ▫Respiratory protection ▫Negative pressure  Examples of diseases: ▫Tuberculosis ▫Chicken pox

Table of Contents  Droplet precautions are used for patients with diseases that are spread through large airborne droplets.  Precautions: ▫Isolation room ▫Standard surgical masks  Examples of diseases: ▫Pneumonia ▫Influenza ▫Whooping cough

Table of Contents  Contact precautions are used for patients with diseases that are spread through direct and indirect contact.  Precautions: ▫Isolation room ▫Gowns and gloves ▫Equipment precautions  Examples of diseases: ▫MRSA ▫VRE

Table of Contents  When health care workers enter isolation rooms, they must wear transmission-based garments.  Health care workers must wear appropriate garments based on the disease of the patient.

Table of Contents  Order for donning PPE ▫Gown ▫Mask ▫Eyewear ▫Gloves  Order for removing PPE ▫Gloves ▫Eyewear ▫Gown ▫Mask  Always cleanse hands before donning the items and immediately after removing them.  Health care workers must not touch the outer surface of any protective garments.

Table of Contents  Patients with communicable diseases are often placed into private rooms for isolation.  This practice helps prevent the spread of communicable diseases to health care workers and other patients.

Table of Contents  Most facilities require that disposable food trays and eating utensils are used in isolation units.  Leftover food and beverages should never be taken out of an isolation unit. Liquids and soft foods should be flushed down the toilet. Solid foods should be placed in biohazardous waste bags.

Table of Contents  Most of the procedures that take place in isolation units require two health care workers.  Items that are taken from isolation rooms are double-bagged to prevent the spread of dangerous pathogens.