Chapter 28

Question 1

What is the difference between infection and colonization?

Answer 1

• Infection: when a pathogen invades tissues and begins growing within a host
• Colonization: presence and growth of microorganisms within a host without tissue invasion or damage

Question 2

List the order in which the chain of infection occurs. (6)

Answer 2

1. infectious agent
2. reservoir
3. portal of exit
4. mode of transmission
5. portal of entry
6. susceptible host

Question 3

What are the 4 reasons that HAIs (healthcare-associated infections) occur?

Answer 3

1. invasive procedures
2. antibiotic administration
3. multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)
4. breaks in infection prevention and control activities

Question 4

Describe the differences in standard, contact, droplet, and airborne precautions.

Answer 4

• standard:
  
  • required for all pts
  • hand hygiene
  • gloves when touching body fluids or contaminated surfaces
  • PPE as needed – if in contact with blood or body fluids
• contact:
  
  • private room/cohort pts
  • gloves
  • gowns
• droplet:
  
  • private room/cohort pts
  • mask/respirator
• airborne:
  
  • private room
  • negative-pressure airflow
  • N95 respirator

Question 5

What are the 5 moments for hand hygiene?

Answer 5

1. before touching pt
2. before clean/aseptic procedure
3. after body fluid exposure risk
4. after touching pt
5. after touching pt surroundings