1 Foundations of Infection Prevention Free Online FlashCards

When do Standard Precautions apply?

Standard Precautions are the minimum infection-prevention practices used with every patient, at all times, in every healthcare setting, whether or not infection is suspected.

What are the six links in the chain of infection?

The links are infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

What are four modes of infectious-agent transmission?

Infectious agents can spread by direct contact, indirect contact through objects, droplets, or airborne routes.

How can hand hygiene interrupt the chain of infection?

Interrupting even one link can stop transmission. For example, hand hygiene before an aseptic task can prevent contaminated hands from carrying microorganisms to a catheter site.

When should hand hygiene occur before patient contact?

Perform hand hygiene immediately before touching a patient.

When should you use sanitizer versus soap and water?

Use approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer in most clinical situations when hands are not visibly soiled. Wash with soap and water when they are visibly soiled.

How should you choose appropriate PPE?

Choose PPE according to the care task and anticipated exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or contaminated items.

What needle and syringe practice is required for each injection?

Use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection, and follow safe medication-preparation practices.

How should used sharps be handled?

Avoid unsafe needle handling and place used sharps promptly in designated puncture-resistant containers.

How should patient-area surfaces and reusable equipment be managed?

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and patient-area equipment. Follow product instructions and facility procedures, and reprocess reusable items between patients as required.

What is a reservoir in the chain of infection?

A reservoir is where an infectious agent lives or multiplies, such as a person, animal, water, or contaminated equipment.

Who is a susceptible host?

A susceptible host is someone more likely to become infected because protective defenses are insufficient; vulnerability can vary with age, illness, and immune status.