Healthcare Hazards
What is a healthcare hazard?
A potential source of harm or adverse effect on a patient's health or safety within a healthcare setting.
What is direct transmission?
Direct transmission occurs when pathogens are transferred directly from one person to another through physical contact
What are pathogens?
Microorganisms that can cause disease, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
What is the purpose of hand hygiene in healthcare?
To prevent the spread of infections by reducing the number of pathogens on hands.
Name two common physical hazards in a healthcare environment.
Slips and falls; exposure to sharp instruments.
List two types of indirect transmission
Airborne transmission; vector-borne transmission
Name one bacterial pathogen commonly found in healthcare settings.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Name a common personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare settings.
Gloves
What is the impact of biological hazards in healthcare?
They can lead to infections and disease transmission among patients and healthcare workers.
How can contaminated surfaces lead to disease transmission?
Pathogens can survive on surfaces and be transferred to individuals who touch them.
How do viruses differ from bacteria?
Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and require a host cell, whereas bacteria can reproduce independently
Why is proper waste disposal important in healthcare?
It prevents the spread of infections and protects workers and the environment from hazardous materials.
Describe the role of chemical hazards in healthcare settings.
Chemical hazards can arise from the use of disinfectants and medications, posing risks of exposure or reactions
What is droplet transmission?
Droplet transmission occurs when respiratory droplets containing pathogens are expelled during coughing or sneezing and come into contact with mucous membranes
What is a zoonotic pathogen?
A pathogen that is transmitted from animals to humans.
Describe the role of vaccinations in preventing disease spread
Vaccinations help create immunity in individuals, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission within communities
Explain how ergonomic hazards can affect healthcare workers
Poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive tasks or improper lifting techniques.
Describe the significance of the incubation period in disease transmission
The incubation period is the time between exposure to a pathogen and the onset of symptoms, which can affect how and when the disease spreads
Explain the process of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and develop the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat
What are isolation precautions, and why are they used?
Isolation precautions are practices used to prevent the spread of infections from patients who are known or suspected to be infectious.