Infectious agents
What is an infectious agent?
Organisms that are capable of producing infection or infectious disease
What does chain of infection mean?
Describes how microorganisms are transmitted from one person or place to another
What does mode of transmission mean?
Ways in which the infectious agent is spread from the reservoir to the susceptible host
What is disease and infection control?
Preventive measures keeping staff and patients safe from being harmed by avoidable infections
What does treatment mean in healthcare?
The management and care of a patient to combat disease or disorder.
What are the 4 infectious agents?
Bacteria, fungi, viruses and, parasites
What is the #1 way to prevent the spread of infection?
Washing your hands!!!
What are the 3 modes of transmission?
Physical contact, droplets, airborne
Most common types of infection?
Hepatitis A,B,C, COVID-19, influenza, measles
What is an antibiotic? Give examples
Treat bacterial infections (Penicillins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides)
Definition of the term reservoir
Place in which the infectious agents live, grow, and reproduce
Why is something like this important in the healthcare setting?
To prevent germs that may infect more people. Therefore we must break the chain!
What is the most common type of transmission?
Physical contact
Proper PPE order?
Gown, mask/respirator, face shield/goggles, gloves
What is the importance of healthcare treatment?
High-quality health care helps prevent diseases and improve quality of life.
What about portals of entry? (Hint: There's 4)
Mucus membrane, respiratory system, digestive system, and broken skin
What are some examples of a susceptible host?
Immune defiance, diabetes, burns, surgery, age
What may be some examples of droplet transmission?
Strep throat, influenza, common cold, COVID-19
Most common types of disease?
Cold/flu, conjunctivitis (pink eye), diarrhea, headaches, stomach aches
What is an antiviral? Give examples of what it may treat
Treats viral infections such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis b and c
What are the portals of exit? (Hint: There's 4)
Blood, secretions, excretions, and skin
What is the order of chain?
Infectious agents, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host
At about what temperature will bacteria begin to die in?
Anything above 212 degrees
What are the 5 principles of infection control?
Hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, sharps safety, safe injection practices, sterilization and disinfection
What is the abbreviation for "treatment of a patient"?
Tx