Nursing 1

• Agent factors
• Host factors
• Environmental factors

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Prions
• Can also be a noninfectious agent

• Able to be infected by a pathogen
• May be affected by both pathogen and host characteristics
• Previous exposure to the microorganism may result in immunity
• Immunizations may provide immunity

• Influences the interaction between the agent and the host.
• Physical
• Biological
• Social

• Pathogen - microorganism that causes disease
• Reservoir - sources of microganisms
• Portal of exit - means by which microbe leaves the reservoir
• Mode of transmission - means by which microbe reaches host
• Portal of entry - means by which the microbe enters the host
• Susceptible host - any person who is at risk for infection.

Involves immediate and direct transfer of microorganisms

May be either vehicle-borne or vector-borne

Any substance that serves as an intermediate means to transport and introduce an infectious agent into a susceptible host through a suitable portal of entry

An animal or insect that serves as an intermediate means of transporting the infectious agent

May involve droplets or dust

• Standard precautions
• Private room
• Gloves
• Gown
• Don't bring items in and out of room
• MRSA

• Used for clients known to have or suspected to have serious illnesses transmitted by particle droplets larger than 5 microns:
• Standard precautions
• Private room
• Mask if within 3 feet of patient
• Surgical mask on patient if they are being transported outside of room

• Used for clients known to have or suspected to have serious illnesses transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei smaller than 5 microns
• Standard precautions
• Private room
• Respiratory device (TB mask) for TB patients, measles or varicella patients
• Place surgical mask on patient if they are being transported ouside of room

• Handwashing
• Use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• Soiled linens
• Sharps

• Targets the agent, reservoir, host, or environment
• Involves education to increase knowledge
• Examples: immunizations, proper handwashing, needle exchange programs, proper cooking of
• foods

• Screening & diagnosis to initiate early treatment
• Examples: TB, Colon CA screening

• Prevention of a recurrence of the disease
• Host oriented
• May be applied to contacts: those who have been in contact with the infected patient
• CVA prevention

• Health Education
• Screening

• Never recap needles
• Place needles or “sharps” in rigid containers at the point of use
• Use needle-less systems
• Replace in-room sharps containers when full

• Red bags
• Sharps disposal
• Gloves
• Masks
• Eye protection
• Spill kits

• Remove the patient from danger
• Activate the fire alarm system
• Confine the fire; close doors
• Extinguish the fire; Evacuate if directed to do so

• Pull pin
• Aim at base of fire
• Squeeze trigger
• Sweep base of fire
• Turn off wall oxygen at cut off valves in the hall

Avoid medical radiation exposure; leave the room or wear lead apron. Do not help with x-rays without lead apron!

Available on all units; Provide workers and emergency personnel with information about the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance/chemical; also; what to do if exposure accidentally occurs; washing; antidotes etc.

• Keep patient and bed linens dry
• Use only grounded electrical devices
• Check cords for fraying
• Don’t use extension cords
• How do you pull out a plug from an outlet?
• Report loose or frayed cords or broken receptacles
• Send equipment to engineering department for assessment
• and repair

• Side rails up x 2 for bed mobility. (Not x4 which is considered a restraint and would place confused patient at greater risk of falls if they try to climb over them.)
• Bed in low position
• Ensure adequate lighting
• Remove obstacles, unnecessary equipment
• Reduce bathroom hazards
• Pay attention to mental status and weakness