Editing Infection Control and Safety – RN Flashcards (section)

== Chain of Infection and Epidemiology ==

;Name the six links in the chain of infection.
:Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking '''any one''' link prevents infection.
;What is the most common mode of transmission of healthcare-associated infections?
:'''Indirect contact''' by way of the contaminated hands of healthcare personnel. This is why hand hygiene is the single most effective control measure.
;Define a healthcare-associated infection.
:An infection acquired during the course of receiving care that was '''not present or incubating on admission'''. The four most commonly targeted are '''CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP, and SSI'''.
;What are the four stages of the infectious process?
:'''Incubation''' (exposure to first symptoms, often contagious), '''prodromal''' (vague symptoms, communicability frequently highest), '''illness''' (specific signs and symptoms), and '''convalescence''' (recovery).
;How does infection often present in an older adult?
:Atypically. '''New-onset confusion, falls, functional decline, anorexia, incontinence, or hypotension may occur without fever.''' A normal temperature does not rule out infection.
;What laboratory pattern suggests acute bacterial infection?
:Leukocytosis with an increase in immature neutrophils ('''bands''', a left shift), with supporting elevation of C-reactive protein or procalcitonin. Lymphocytosis suggests a viral cause and eosinophilia suggests parasites or allergy.
;Define neutropenic fever and state the priority action.
:A single temperature of '''100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher''' in a client with an absolute neutrophil count generally below 500 cells per microliter. It is an emergency: obtain '''blood cultures and administer broad-spectrum antibiotics without delay''', typically within one hour.