Download Infection Control

Infection Control
For the Healthcare Worker
Microorganism
• Small living organism that cannot be seen
with the naked eye
• Have to have microscope in order to view
microorganisms
• They are found everywhere, in the
environment, including on &
• In the Human body
Pathogens
• Microorganisms that
cause infection and
disease.
• There are many
different classes of
microorganisms, we
will discuss a few that
affect humans
Nonpathogen
• Microorganisms that are part of the normal
flora and are beneficial to certain body
processes.
Bacteria
• Simple one-celled
• Multiply rapidly
• Classified by shape
and arrangement
• Cocci, Bacilli, &
Spirilla
Cocci
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Round in shape
They can occur in pairs, chains or groups
They cause diseases such as:
Gonorrhea
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Strep throat or Staph infections
Bacilli
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Rod shaped bacteria
Some diseases caused by bacilli are:
TB
Tetanus
Pertussis (Whooping cough)
Botulism
Spirilla
• Spiral or corkscrew in shape
• Some diseases caused by spirilla bacteria:
• Syphilis
Other Microorganisms
• Protozoa: Cause malaria, trichomonas,
• These are one-celled animal-like organisms
• Found in decayed materials and
contaminated water
• Fungi: Cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, yeast
vaginitis and thrush
• Plant-like organisms that live on dead
organic material
Rickettsiae: These are parasitic microorganisms, which means
They cannot live outside the cells of another living organism.
They are commonly found in fleas, lice, ticks and mites.
They are transmitted to human by bites of these insects.
Causes diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Viruses
• Smallest microorganisms
• Visible only using an electron microscope
• Cannot reproduce unless they are inside
another living cell.
• Spread from human to human via blood and
other body fluids
• There is no cure for viruses!!!
Viruses cause many diseases
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Common cold
Measles
Mumps
Chicken pox
Herpes
Warts
Flu
polio
• 3 viruses of main
concern to the
healthcare worker:
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV & AIDS
Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B affects the
liver
• Vaccine has been
developed to protect
from HBV
• Hepatitis B can kill
you!
Hepatitis C
• Causes serious liver
damage
• No vaccine yet, but is
in stages of
development
• Both B & C can
remain active in dried
blood for days!
HIV & AIDS
• There is no cure and
no vaccine available
• Cancer and Infections
is the leading cause of
death for a person
infected with the virus
• Healthcare workers
should protect
themselves
Conditions required for bacteria
growth
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Warm environment
Body temperature is ideal
Darkness
Source of food and
moisture
• Some require oxygen
(aerobic)
• Anaerobic do not require
oxygen
• Endogenous: the
infection originates
within the body
• Exogenous: the
infection originates
outside the body
Nosocomial & Opportunistic
• Nosocomial infections
are acquired in a
healthcare facility.
• Usually passed from
the healthcare worker
to the patient
• Hospitals usually have
an infection control
nurse to track these
• Opportunistic
infections occur when
the body defense is
weak
• PCP or Kaposi’s
sarcoma in a patient
with HIV
For infections to occur & spread
• Causative agent or
pathogen present
• Enough pathogen to
cause disease
• A susceptible host
• A portal of entry
For infections to occur and
spread
• Reservoir or host
where it can live
• May include human
body, animals, the
environment, or
fomites (objects such
as doorknobs,
bedpans, linens,
instruments, etc.)
For infections to occur and
spread
• Mode of transmission or
way in which it can be
transmitted to another
reservoir
• Direct contact (hands)
• Indirect contact (food)
• Air bourne (breathing
them in)
• Vector bourne (insects)
For infections to occur and
spread
• Portal of entry, or way
to enter the host is
essential.
• Breaks in skin
• Mucous membranes
• Respiratory tract
• Digestive tract
• Circulatory System
Body Defenses
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Mucous Membranes: traps pathogens
Cilia: propel pathogens out of the body
Coughing and Sneezing
Hydrochloric acid: destroys pathogens in the
stomach
Tears in the eye: contain bactericidal chemicals
Fever
Inflammation: white blood cells destroy pathogens
Immune response: body produces antibodies
How do we prevent infections?
• Asepsis!!!(the absence of
disease producing
microorganisms)
• Aseptic techniques
• Handwashing
• Good personal hygiene
• Use of gloves
• Proper cleaning of
instruments
Various levels of Aseptic control
• Antiseptics prevent or
inhibit growth
• Usually used on the
skin
• Examples: Alcohol &
Betadine
• Antibacterial soap
Various levels of Aseptic control
• Disinfection: destroys
or kills organisms
• Can damage the skin,
usually used on
surfaces.
• Examples: Bleach or
other cleaning
solutions
Various levels of Aseptic control
• Sterilization: destroys
all microorganisms
• Uses steam under
pressure, gas, radiation
and chemicals to
sterilize objects
• Example: Autoclave
Handwashing!!!!!
• You must know how to properly wash your
hands if you work in the healthcare field!
• Handwashing is the most effective way to
prevent the spread of infection!
• Handwashing should be done frequently!
• Let’s look at some times when you should
wash your hands…..
Wash your hands…
• When you arrive at work and before you leave
work
• Before and after every patient contact
• Any time your hands become contaminated
• After removing gloves
• After handling a specimen
• After using the bathroom
• After you cough or sneeze
• Before & After any contact with your mouth
(eating)
Steps to proper washing:
• Use soap
• Soap aids in the
removal of germs
through its sudsy
action and alkali
content
• Best to use liquid soap
Handwashing Step 2
• Warm water should be
used
• Creates a better lather
than cold water
• Doesn’t damage skin
like hot water
Handwashing step 3
• Friction must be used
• This helps to rub off
pathogens
Handwashing Step 4
• All surfaces of the
hand should be
cleaned
• Fingertips must be
pointed downward
• Dry papertowels must
be used to turn the
faucet on and off.
Step by Step Procedure
• Stand away from sink
• Turn on faucet , regulate
temperature
• With fingertips pointing
down, wet hands.
• Use soap, work into lather
• Rub palms together, using
friction
• Rub backs of hands
• Interlace fingers and rub
back and forth
• Scrub your nails against
your palms or use orange
stick or nail brush
• Rinse hands keeping
fingertips down
• Use clean papertowel to
dry hands from tips of
fingers to wrist
• Use new dry papertowel to
turn off faucet.
Standard Precautions
For the Healthcare Worker
For Infection Control
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Wash Hands
Wear Gloves
Wear mask and eye protection if needed
Wear gown if needed
Use caution handling patient care equipment
Disinfect surfaces per facility policy
Use caution handling soiled linens
Never recap needles
Use private room for infectious patient
Specific Precautions
Airborne, Droplet, Contact
Airborne Precautions
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Patient has private room with negative air pressure
Wash hands
Wear respiratory protection (mask)
Patient must wear mask if transported outside
room
• Limit use of equipment or take in disposable
equipment
• Bag linens into biohazard container
Airborne diseases
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Measles
Chicken pox
Tuberculosis
Shingles
FYI: Pregnant women should not be
exposed to patients with shingles or chicken
pox!
Droplet Precautions
• Patient has private room
• Maintain 3 feet between patient and visitors
• Mask for healthcare worker or anyone else who
gets closer than 3 feet from patient
• Patient wears mask outside of room
• Limit use of equipment or use disposable
• Bag linens in biohazard
• Wash hands frequently
Droplet Diseases
• Flu
• Meningitis and pneumonias caused from
certain bacteria
• Mumps
• Whooping cough
Contact Precautions
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Patient has private room
Wash hands
Wear gown and gloves
Limit use of equipment
Bag linens in biohazard
Contact Diseases
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E-coli infections
Hepatitis A
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Fevers
Skin infections (herpes, lice)
Staph infections
You can help prevent infections
As a Healthcare worker, it is essential
that you know how infections start
and how to prevent spreading.