1. Chapter 3 Infection Control

2. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.2 Spread of Infection How infection is spread: –Direct contact Touching an infected person –Indirect contact Touching environmental surfaces and fomites such as linen, supplies, or equipment that have pathogens on them

3. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.3 Spread of Infection Airborne –Mucus contains pathogens expelled into the air by coughing or sneezing –Pathogens travel long distances in ventilation systems, dust, or on moisture in the air –Invisible to the eye and easily inhaled

4. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.4 Spread of Infection Droplets –Large and heavy –Remain within three feet of the patient –Fall to the ground quickly –Contain pathogens that are inhaled or picked up on the hands

5. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.5 Spread of Infection Common Vehicle –Contaminated food, water, feeding formulas, and equipment used for procedures –Pathogens are consumed when eating and drinking

6. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.6 Spread of Infection Vectors –Insects, rodents, and small animals can carry pathogens and transmit them to humans

7. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.7 Chain of Infection Factors necessary for infection to develop Breaking a link in the chain will prevent an infection from spreading

8. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.8 Chain of Infection Source –Disease-causing pathogen Mode of transmission –How the pathogen is spread Susceptible host –Person who can become infected

9. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.9 Chain of Infection Carrier –Infected person who can spread the disease –He or she may not know of the infection Portal of entry –Place where the microbe enters the body

10. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.10 Chain of Infection Portal of exit –Secretions, excretions, or droplets in which the pathogens travel when they leave the body

11. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.11 Handwashing 10 to 15 seconds –Longer if hands are soiled Rub hands together –Friction and running water remove microbes Alcohol-based hand cleaners –Do not use if hands are soiled –Patient has an infection spread by spores

12. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.12 Standard Precautions You cannot tell whether someone has a disease or infection by appearance Standard precautions –Used for all patients to prevent infection –Involve using personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing certain tasks

13. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.13 Standard Precautions Wear gloves when there is contact with: –Blood –Moist body fluid (except sweat) –Secretions –Excretions –Mucous membranes –Nonintact skin

14. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.14 Standard Precautions If your gloves become soiled, remove them, wash hands, and apply a new pair We communicate through touch –Avoid using gloves for all patient contact

15. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.15 Standard Precautions If you are wearing gloves –Change them immediately before contacting mucous membranes and nonintact skin Apply a mask and eye protection if there is risk of being splashed with blood or body fluids

16. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.16 Standard Precautions A mask may be worn without eye protection, but eye protection should never be worn without a mask

17. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.17 Standard Precautions Wear a gown if there is a risk that your uniform may contact blood and body fluids. Select a gown that is fluid resistant

18. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.18 Standard Precautions PPE must fit properly –If it is cut or torn, it will not protect you, and it should be replaced Restock equipment after use

19. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.19 Standard Precautions Avoid contaminating clean equipment, supplies, or surfaces with used gloves Wear a glove on one hand; use the ungloved hand to contact other surfaces Discard gloves in a covered container

20. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.20 Standard Precautions Always wash your hands before applying and after removing gloves Never cut, bend, break, or recap needles Discard in a puncture-resistant container

21. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.21 Isolation Airborne precautions –Used for patients whose disease is spread by the airborne method of transmission Droplet precautions –Used for some infections that are spread in the air

22. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.22 Isolation Contact precautions –Contain pathogens that are spread by direct or indirect contact –Usually found in infections of the skin, urine, and fecal material

23. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.23 Isolation Special Circumstances –Patients with infections transmitted by more than one method –Two types of isolation are needed in addition to standard precautions –Isolation and standard precautions must be used when working in an isolation room

24. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.24 Bioterrorism –Use of biological agents, such as pathogenic organisms or agricultural pests, for terrorist purposes

25. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.25 Bioterrorism Your facility will have a disaster plan –Provides information for patients, employees, visitors –Contains public health protocols to follow in an emergency