Download Unit: Universal Precautions

Unit: Universal
Precautions
• Hand Washing is the single
most important step that can be
taken to reduce the spread of
infection.
• Refer your notebook for the
proper procedure and when to
wash the hands.
Universal Precautions
All blood and body fluids will be
considered infectious,
regardless of the perceived
status of the source individual!
Universal
Precautions/Infection
Control
• Standard precautions are the basic
level of infection control that should
be used when working in any
capacity in the healthcare setting.
• They are intended to reduce the risk
of transmission of microorganisms
from both recognized and nonrecognized sources of
infection….which is high in a
healthcare setting!
Standard Precautions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
to carry out standard precautions
includes:
•
•
•
•
•
Gowns/aprons
Gloves
Masks
Eye protection
Face shields
• Standard Precaution procedures are
in your notebook.
Universal Precautions for
Infection Control/Blood
Borne Pathogens
• Blood borne pathogens are
infectious diseases that are carried
in the bloodstream of an infected
person. In the USA, the most
common ones are:
•
•
•
•
Hepatitis A – least damaging
Hepatitis B- more severe
Hepatitis C-very difficult to overcome
HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Hepatitis B
•
•
•
•
•
Major blood borne hazard on the job
Inflammation of the liver
Flu like symptoms . . . Severe
Or no symptoms . . . A carrier indefinitely
Blood, saliva and other body fluids spread
virus to sexual partners, unborn infants,
family members
• Can survive at room temperature for at
least a week
• May severely damage liver, leading to
cirrhosis and death (1-10%)
• Greater risk of liver cancer
Hepatitis B
• Treat with bed rest, adequate
nutrition and fluid therapy,
symptomatic relief
• Recovery 3 to 4 months with
gradual activity increases
HIV
• Attacks body’s immune system
• Causes AIDS (Acquired Immundeficiency syndrome)
• May have no symptoms for 5-10
years
• Flu like symptoms
• AIDS related illnesses – cancer,
opportunistic infections and
neurological problems
HIV
• Transmitted primarily through
sexual contact, blood and some
body fluids (not saliva), infants
through pregnancy or breast
feeding
How Do We
Become Exposed?
Bloodborne pathogens
enter our body through…
• Open cuts, nicks, skin abrasions
• Acne
• Mucous membranes of mouth, eyes
and nose
• Indirect transmission by touching a
surface contaminated with blood or
other infectious
material – then transferring to your
mouth, eyes, nose or open areas
(hangnails, cuts or open blisters)
Blood and Body Fluid
Exposure Protocal
1. Immediately following exposure
perform appropriate first aid
measures:
a. Eyes – flush with water or
saline
b. Skin (intact) – wash with soap
and
water
c. Skin (non-intact) – wash with
soap
and apply
antiseptic and
band
aid
What to do after
exposure?
• Immediately report the incident
to the Risk and Safety
Management Department or
person you are shadowing.
Universal Precautions/Air
Borne Pathogens
• Air Borne pathogens are those that
can be transmitted from person to
person through the air by coughing,
sneezing, laughing or singing. The
most serious air borne disease is
Tuberculosis(TB)
• See notebook – for facts
What is the most
effective way to control
the spread of any
disease????