This document discusses infection control and prevention. It defines key terms like microorganisms, infections, and nosocomial infections. It explains the chain of infection and who is most at risk. Standard precautions to prevent the spread of infections are outlined, including handwashing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the proper order for putting on and taking off PPE. Different types of transmission-based precautions are described for containing certain contagions like MRSA, C. difficile, and bloodborne pathogens.

1. Chapter 5
Preventing Infection

2. Definitions
 Infection Control
 Measures that are practiced to prevent and control
the spread of disease
Microorganism (germ)
A living thing that is microscopic. Microbe is another
name.
Infections occur when “pathogens” invade the body
and multiply.
2 kinds: Systemic (whole body) and localized (one
part)
HAIs – Acquired in health care facilities – nosocomial
Clean – objects not contaminated with pathogens
Dirty - Contaminated

3. Chain of Infection
Portal of
Entry
Susceptible host
Causative Agent
Reservoir
Portal of
Exit
Mode of transmission

4. Who’s at Risk?
 Elderly
 Immune system compromised
 Dehydration
 Simple cold can turn into pneumonia
 Symptoms
 Pain, redness, fever, pus, swelling, heat,

5. CDC
 Centers for Disease Control – US Government
Agency
 Issues health alerts
 Provides education for prevention of:
 Disease
 Injury
 Speaks to communities/populations at risk

6. Standard Precautions
 Protects against disease
 Blood, bodily fluids, mucous membranes, open sores
 Treat all bodily fluids as if they were infected:
 Gloves always
 Practice standard precautions with everyone you care
for.
 Wash hands, put on gloves, do not contaminate items
with your dirty gloves…throw away
 Examples
 Giving call light to resident after placing bedpan…take
gloves off first.

7. Handwashing
 Always use soap and water when hands are
visibly soiled.
 Gels can be used in between soap and water.
 Always wash hands…see pg 61
 First line of defense against the spread of
infection
 Use friction for at least 20 seconds

8. PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment)
 Gown
 Mask
 Goggles or face shield
 Gloves
 Protects against contamination with infectious
material
 Type of infection determines type of PPE used.

9. Correct order of placement
 Gown
 Mask
 Goggles
 Gloves
 Only for written portion…not valid for skill
performance.
 Skill states gown, then gloves.

10. Correct order of removal
 Gloves
 Goggles
 Gown
 Mask
 For the written test only…not valid order for
actual skill performance.

11. Transmission-based
precautions
 Also called isolation precautions
 Airborne – mask, too
 Droplet – mask, too
 Contact – gown and gloves

12. Contagions
 MRSA
 C-Diff
 Scabies
 Lice

13. Droplet
 Sneeze
 Cough
 If no tissue, sneeze into crook of elbow
 When discarding PPE, always take off in room,
before leaving

14. Bloodborne Pathogens
 HIV
 Hep A, B, C Let’s look at Infection control
handout…
 Always use gloves, good hand hygiene