Question

1. Describe why infection prevention is important in nrespiratory care

2. List the factors assoviated with an increased risk for hospital acquired infection

3. Describe strategies to comtrol the spread of infection inthe hospital

4. Describe surveillance with regard to infection control

5. Identify circumstances when when special infection control procedures are warranted

6. state when to use personal protective equipment during patient care

7. Describe how to select and apply chemicsl disinfectants for processing respiratory care equipment

Answer 1

1. Why infection prevention is important in respiratory care:

The respiratory tract is much more vulnerable to infection than other parts of the body. because it is easy for bacteria or viruses to enter the tract when someone breathes in.

Respiratory tract infections are a common cause of illness. The most widespread respiratory tract infection is the common cold.

2.Factors associated with an increased risk for hospital acquired infection:

* Invasive device used

* Longer hospital stay

* Intravascular catheter

* Surgery since admission

* Intubation

* Indwelling Urinary catheter

* Mechanical ventilation

* Age of the patient(elderly)

* Type of hospital

* Immune status of the patient

* Failure of healthcare workers to wash their hands

* Drug affecting the immune system

* Acute renal failure * Major trama

* Shock. * coma

3. Strategies to control infection in hospital:

* Healthcare providers cleaning their hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub before and after caring for each patient

* Catheters must be used only when necessary and removed as soon as possible

* Create an infection control policy

* Use appropriate personal protective equipment

( Gloves,gowns, shoe covers ,face shields and masks)

* Patient care equipment: used patient care equipment soiled with blood and body fluids, secretions should be handled carefully.

Ensure that reusable equipment is not used for care of another patient until it has been cleaned or sterilized appropriately

* Provide isolation is patients have a contagious diseases

* Disinfect and keep surfaces clean

* Change linens when daily and when dirty

* Prevent patients from walking barefoot

* Make sure foods are kept at proper temperature

* Antibiotic prophylaxis

* Daily oral care

* Closed suction system

4.Surveillance with regards to infection control:

In order to incorporate meaningful data into a facilitys epidemiology and infection control efforts, accurate data collection and management must be conducted on a regular basis. The Society for HealthcareEpidemiology of America (SHEA) suggests that surveillance of adverse events is the most important aspect of data management in which a facility can engage.

With regard to nosocomial infections, SHEAs reportrecommends incorporating several elements into the surveillance process,including:

-Identification and description of the problem or event to be studied

-Definition of the population at risk

-Identification and description of data sources and data collection personnel and methods

-Definition of numerators and denominators

-Selection of theappropriate methods of measurement, including statistical tools and risk stratifications

-Preparation and distribution of reports to appropriate groups and

-Selectionof specifc events to be monitored should be guided by validated, nationallyavailable benchmarks appropriately adjusted for patient risks so that meaningfulcomparisons can be made