Types of Precautions
Used to be known as “universal precautions”. They are designed to protect healthcare workers and pts. They are considered the best means to prevent nosocomial infections. They apply to Blood, all bodily fluids, secretions and excretions, non-intact skin, mucous membranes (but not sweat). Includes the use of hand washing and PPE.
Standard Precautions
A general term that applies to either handwashing, antiseptic, hand wash, antiseptic, hand rub, or surgical hand antisepsis
Hand Hygiene
- Appropriate Hand Care
- PPE = Gloves and gown
- Private room or w/ pt with same precautions
- Dedicated Equipment (anything removed must be properly disinfected or placed in a biohazard bag)
Contact Precautions
Category of a major bacterial human pathogen that causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Found in the environment in normal human flora does not typically cause infection and healthy skin. However, if it enters the bloodstream, it can cause a variety of potentially serious infections, includes MRSA and Staph A
Staphylococcus
Responsible for cold sores ** healthcare transmission is rare
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)
Apply to evaporated droplets & dust particles. I.e. TB, measles, chickenpox, COVID 19, SARS, hantavirus, anthrax, norovirus and H1N1
Airborne Precautions
Washing hands with plain (i.e. non-antimicrobial) soap and water
Hand washing
- Appropriate hand care
- PPE= Mask and MAYBE gown and gloves
- Private Room
- Pt transport = pt must be masked if leaving room
Droplet Precautions
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus)
Sexually transmitted and most common cause of viral meningitis **healthcare transmission is rare
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)
Sneeze, cough and talking i.e. Pertussis, influenza, mumps (rubella)
Refers to either antiseptic hand wash or antiseptic hand rub
Hand antisepsis
- appropriate hand care
- PPE= N-95 respirator, MAYBE gloves and gown
-Room: private room with negative airflow and the door remains closed
- Pt transport = therapy typically takes place inside of the room. If pt leaves room, patient must wear a surgical mask.
Airborne precautions
One of the most common bacterial pathogens that causes many diseases of diverse organ systems i.e. pharyngitis, scarlet fever, meningitis necrotizing, fasciitis, pneumonia, and strep throat. These can range from mild localized infections to life-threatening invasive infections. It is typically transmitted via respiratory droplets.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A strep)
Chickenpox; acquired via inhalation of respiratory droplets, contact with vesicular fluid to mucous membranes and has the capacity to persist in the body following initial infection. It is highly contagious and incubates for 14 to 16 days. Individuals can be contagious two days prior to the appearance of a rash.
Varicella- zoster virus (Type 3)
Direct contact with host, linen and equipment i.e. skin infections that are highly contagious, MRSA, lice, scabies, impetigo, chicken pox
Contact Precautions
Intercept hand wash or antiseptic hand rub performed preoperatively by surgical personnel
Surgical hand antisepsis
For pts with extremely low WBC count.
- appropriate handwashing
- PPE= mask
- Room = Private
- No fresh flowers no raw food.
Neutropenic precautions
Bacteria that causes massive diarrhea and very serious intestinal conditions, such as colitis. It is commonly found in the everyday environment. Is most often recognize among residents of long-term care facilities, acute care or short-term hospitals due to the high rates of anabiotic use.
Clostridium difficile (c. Diff)
Shingles (reactivation of the virus). Contact precaution should be used.
Herpes Zoster
Bonus Precautions for special diseases i.e. c.diff, rotavirus or norovirus. You HAVE to wash your hands in a sink for this type of precaution.
Enteric Precaution
Apply product to hands per manufacturer, guideline, and rub hands thoroughly until dry
Hand rub
How many seconds should you wash your hands for?
15 to 30 seconds
Common types of this bacteria include Klebsiella species and escherichia coli (E. coli). Experts fear this is the new super bug, as the mortality rate once it hits the bloodstream is approximately 50%. The CDC is referring to this as a nightmare bacteria.
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
Transmitted through oral secretions or blood. Causes proliferation in the lymph nodes and spleen. Common complications include anemia, and there’s a risk of Swee rupture.
Infectious mononucleosis, a.k.a. Epstein-Barr virus.