NURS7112 Final: Introduction to Nursing Practice NOTES
Document Summary
Infectious agents (pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, helminths ( worm like organisms/intestinal infections. Treatable: colonisation sustained presence of replicating infectious agents on or in the body, without the production of an immune response or disease, and is a potential source of transmission. Own flora e. g. 1/3 have staphylococcus aureus on their skin/anterior nose (sensitive staph. aureus) Skin preparation pre insertion of lines: exogenous source: Cross contamination of equipment by either infected patients or hcws. The health care environment (ventilation and food/water) Invasive procedures that breach the protective barriers of the skin: patient/host susceptibility. Low ph and dry environment of the skin. Mucosal surfaces (only a barrier to few organisms) Infection: vaccine, factors influencing hcai, co-morbidities, age, wounds or devices, virulence of agent. Immune status: health care workers may contract infection. Instruments/equipment from: environment (e. g. c. diff spores on surfaces/airborne tb/mrsa formites/objects, sharps injuries, consideration:
