What is a Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)?
An infection resulting from healthcare delivery in any setting while receiving treatment for another condition.
What is exogenous?
From environment or personnel.
What is endogenous?
From patient.
What are the most common HAIs?
-catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CUTI)
-surgical site infection (SSI)
-ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)
-central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
-CDiff
-MDROs
What are the six links of the chain of infection?
-organism
-reservoir
-portal of exit
-mode of transmission
-portal of entry
-susceptible host
What is the reservoir?
Where pathogens live and multiply ie. living and nonliving
What is portal of exit?
Via bodily fluids, seeping wounds, & tubes/IVs
What are the modes of transmission?
-contact ie. direct or indirect
-droplets ie. cough or sneeze
-airborne ie. air conditioning or sweeping
What are the portals of entry?
-orifices
-mucosal openings
-wounds
-tubes/IVs
-bite from a vector
What is a susceptible host?
-person w/ inadequate defense
-virulence
-pathogen ability to survive in host environment
-number of pathogens
What are the 5 stages of infection?
-incubation: time from infection to symptoms; infectious
-prodromal: vague symptoms
-illness: s/sx are present
-decline: # of pathogens decline
-convalescence: tissue repair; return to health
What are the classifications of infection locations?
-localized ie. uti
-systemic ie. blood or lymph
What are the classifications of infection durations?
-acute: rapid onset; short duration
-chronic: slow development; long duration
-latent: asymptomatic
What are the infection control precautions?
-tier 1: standard
-tier 2: contact, droplet, & airborne
What are standard precaution indications?
Universal; to prevent contact with bodily fluids, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin
How are standard precautions implemented?
-hand hygiene
-gloves
-PPE
-mange sharps, linen, & equipment
-cleaning procedures
-private room, if applicable
What are indications for contact precautions?
-known/suspected infection
-colonized with MDRO
-excessive drainage or incontinence
How are contact precautions implemented?
-gloves and gown
-private room or cohort
-dedicated equipment
-transport patients for essential purposes only
-visitors glove and gown
What are the indications of droplet precautions?
Infection spread by large particle droplet
How are droplet precautions implemented?
-surgical mask worn within 3’ of patient
-private room
-patient wears surgical mask for essential transport
What are indications for airborne precautions?
Infections spread through air over long distances
How are airborne precautions implemented?
-N95
-negative airflow room
-door closed
What are indications for Protective (Neutropenic) Precautions?
Protects immunocompromised patients
How are protective (neutropenic) precautions implemented?
-private room
-hand hygiene
-visitor restrictions
-no fresh flowers
-no raw honey, mold foods, fresh meats
