Download CU254 - Causes and Spread of Infection

CU254
Causes and Spread of Infection
Aims
This unit is to enable the learner to understand the causes of infection and common illnesses
that may result as a consequence. To understand the difference between both infection and
colonisation and pathogenic and non pathogenic organisms, the areas of infection and the
types caused by different organisms. In addition, the learner will understand the methods of
transmission, the conditions needed for organisms to grow, the ways infection enter the body
and key factors that may lead to infection occurring.
Credit
2
Level
2
Learning outcomes
Assessment criteria
The learner will:
The learner can:
1.
1.1 Identify the differences between
bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
Understand the causes of infection
1.2 Identify common illnesses and infections
caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and
parasites
1.3 Describe what is meant by “infection”
and “colonisation”
1.4 Explain what is meant by “systemic
infection” and “localised infection”
1.5 Identify poor practices that may lead to
the spread of infection
2.
Understand the transmission of infection
2.1 Explain the conditions needed for the
growth of micro-organisms
2.2 Explain the ways an infective agent
might enter the body
2.3 Identify common sources of infection
2.4 Explain how infective agents can be
transmitted to a person
2.5 Identify the key factors that will make it
more likely that infection will occur
Indicative content
Learning outcome 1: Understand the causes of infection
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites: differences between different micro-organisms; how
they are identified; shape; features; illnesses they cause (bacterial e.g. lyme disease,
tuberculosis; fungal e.g. tinea pedis, oral thrush; viral e.g. measles, mumps);
pathogenic micro-organisms
Common illnesses and infections: MRSA infections (Methicillin resistant
Staphylococcus aureus); Norovirus infection (winter vomiting disease); Common cold
and other respiratory infections; Gastroenteritis; blood borne infections, especially
Hepatitis A, B, C and HIV; Clostridium difficile; Scabies
Infection and colonisation: difference between infection and colonisation; concept of
normal flora
Systemic infection: definitions of localised infection (local to one area of the body) and
systemic infection (affecting the whole body system)
Poor practices which may spread infection: inadequate hand washing; failure to wear
correct protective clothing; inadequate precautions where food is
prepared/served/eaten; inadequate procedures in relation to highly infectious
individuals; poor environmental hygiene; re-using equipment without proper sterilisation
processes, lack of risk assessments, staff not following procedures
Learning outcome 2: Understand the transmission of infection
Conditions for growth of micro-organisms:
Temperature
Gases
Nutrients
Moisture/humidity
How infective agents enter body: routes of entry and exit – nose, mouth, eyes, cuts or
sores on hands or other parts of the body or other natural orifices; methods inhalation,
ingestion, inoculation
Common sources of infection: Micro-organisms can be present on people (especially
hands, nose, mouth, genitals and anus, and any sores or wounds); in droplets
produced by coughing or sneezing; in air and dust; in water; in food; carried by animals
and insects
Transmission of infective agents: direct (person to person) and indirect (contact through
water, food/food chain, animals and insects, air/dust, droplets, contaminated items)
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Key factors that make infection more likely: open wounds or sores (especially on
hands); vulnerability/low immunity eg very young children/babies; elderly people;
people already suffering from health problems, poor practice
EVIDENCE MATRIX
Candidate name:
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number:
Unit title
Qualification title:
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Evidence
description
Ass
meth
Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome
Assessment criteria (eg 1.1)
The above evidence has been assessed against the standards for this element and has been judged for validity, authenticity, currency, reliability and sufficiency.
Learner signature:
Date:
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Date:
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(if sampled)
Date:
Assessment method key:
Obs =
Observation
Wt =
Witness testimony
P=
Product evidence
A=
APA/APL
Q=
Questioning
Ot =
Other
Sim =
Simulation/assignment