Links in the Chain of Infection
Source of infection (pathogen that causes disease/infection)
Causative/infectious agent
Inflammation of the liver
Hepatitis
For how long should friction be used during handwashing?
20 seconds
Where should PPE be removed?
Before leaving the room
Why do we use Standard Precautions for all residents?
Because healthcare workers don't always know who is infected
How clean and soiled linen should be carried:
Away from the body
Place where the pathogen lives and grows
Reservoir
A disease caused by bacteria that have been wiped out by competing (good) bacteria due to antibiotic therapy resulting in frequent, watery, loose stools
Clostridium difficile (C-diff)
What can using hot water during hand washing cause?
Irritation
When putting on PPE, how should gloves go on in relation to the sleeves of your gown?
Gloves should go over the sleeves
When do we use Transmission-based Precautions?
When Standard Precautions are not sufficient and/or we know how a particular pathogen is spread
How soiled linen must be taken out of a room:
In a plastic bag
A means for the pathogen to enter the host
Portal of entry
Parasitic infection of the scalp or pubic hair in which eggs (nits) attach themselves to the hair shafts
Pediculosis (lice)
Name one situation in which hand rub/sanitizer can NOT be used?
C-diff
Hands are visibly soiled
Prior to giving care
When removing a gown, which parts of the gown can be touched?
Inside of the gown and the ties
Name an infection that requires Contact Precautions:
Pediculosis, scabies, MRSA, VRE, C-diff
How often is disinfection of the overbed table recommended?
At least once every 24 hours
Uninfected person at risk for infection
Susceptible host
Disease that slowly destroys the body's immune system by killing important infection fighting blood cells (T cells)
AIDS (HIV)
What amount of hand sanitizer should be applied to the hands?
A quarter-sized portion
What is the order to put on PPE?
Gown
Mask
Goggles/face shield
Gloves
Name an infection that requires Droplet Precautions:
Pneumonia, influenza, mumps, rubella, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, COVID-19
How often tubs and shower chairs in common bathing areas must be disinfected
After each use
How the pathogen travels from one person to another
Mode of transmission
Type of staph infection that is antibiotic resistant and difficult to cure
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus)
Demonstrate all 5 steps of the hand washing procedure:
Palm to palm
Interlock of fingers
Backs of fingers (hand hugs)
Thumbs
Nails
What is the order to remove PPE?
Gloves
Goggles/face shield
Gown
Mask
Name an infection that requires Airborne Precautions:
Tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles
Soiled linen barrels and clean linen carts must be separated by at least ____ feet
6