-infection = invasion and multiplication of microorganism in body tissues
-clinically unapparent or result of local cell injury caused by competitive metabolism, toxins,
intracellular replication, antigen-antibody response
-can be a result of bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite, protozoa
-potential to cause disease depends on:
1. number present
2. virulence (ability to produce disease)
3. ability to enter and survive in the host
4. susceptibility of host
-stages:
1. incubation: infection enters host and begins to multiply
2. prodromal: client begins to have symptoms
3. acute illness: manifestation of specific infectious disease process are obvious and may
become severe
4. decline: manifestations being to wane as degree of infection decreases
5. convalescence: client returns to normal or new state of normal
-requires thorough health history: meds, job/libing conditions, fam hx, travel hx, cancer,
illnesses, allergies, med hx, surgical hx, social hx (drugs, alcohol, smoking)
-physical assessment: looking for presence of infection, head to toe, specific assessment to
tissues, vitals, confusion/agitation/mental status
-assessing risk factors: age, immunodeficiency, certain meds, open wounds, poor immune
system, recent surgery, individual devices, impaired circulation, poor oxygenation, respiratory
disease, acute/chronic disease, caregivers level of knowledge, modifiable/nonmodifiable risk
factors, recent travel to high risk areas, access to care and socioeconomic status,
hygiene/nutrition
Hospital acquired infection (HAI)
-four major categories
-all create extra portal of entry into body
-contamination or from client's own flora can create infection
-maintain asepsis
1. central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
2. catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)
3. surgical site infection (SSI)
4. ventilator assisted pneumonias (VAP)
, Infection prevention strategies
-weakening the chain of infection:
disinfect/sterilize/clean/anti-microbial treat
proper hand hygiene
pre-op skin prep
clinical/surgical environment cleansed properly
careful containment of body fluids (drains/dressings)
hand hygiene
proper barrier devices
only use invasive lines/devices when necessary
immunizations
proper nutrition/dietary supplements
proper hygiene
control blod sugar
PPE
sneeze/cough etiquette
-education of patients/community/team members:
1. primary prevention
-vaccinations (administered across life span)
-hygiene: personal, food, patient care (nutrition, exercise, etc)
-educate: show/teach back method
2. secondary prevention
-early detection through screening/preventing
-bloodwork, pap smear, mammogram, std checks, TB, hepC, yearly physical, genetics/fam hx,
socioeconomic, risky behaviors
Transmission precautions
- Tier 1
-standard precautions
-used for all patients
-all body fluids (except sweat), non-intact skin, mucuous membranes
-use alcohol based products when hands are not visibly soiled/covered in blood/body fluids
and after removal of gloves, before/after client interaction
-use water/soap: visible contamination, suspected diagnosis of c. diff
-enable safety devices/sharps container
-use of disposable or disinfect patient care equipment
-proper handling of laundry (hold away from the body)
Tier 2
1. contact precautions