NUR 155 Exam Questions And Accurate Answers
Asepsis
freedom from disease-causing microorganisms
Medical vs Surgical Asepsis
Once we put gloves on they are clean, once we touch a surface with the gloveS they are
dirty
Medical Asepsis:
clean technique - limits the number of microorganisms. Standard precautions. Using
bed pans, changing linens, if it's not yours, use gloves - 15-30 seconds of hand washing
Clean-
absence of almost all microorganisms
Dirty
contaminated, infected; expected to harbor microorganisms, some of which may be
infectious
Surgical asepsis (sterile technique)
devoid of all microorganisms. Trach care and catheters (urinary & respiratory tracks
need to be sterile) - 3-5 minutes of hand washing
Sepsis-
condition whereby acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection
Types of Infections
,local, systemic, acute, chronic
Local infection
pathogens are confined to a small area of the body
Local infection-2
Specific part of the body where microorganisms remain, mostly on hands & feet Ex:
gonorrhea, arthritis, dog bites.
systemic infection
an infection throughout the body; If the microorganism spread and damage different
parts of the body (whole body) Ex: flu, high blood pressure, cold, HIV, fever
bacteremia
When the culture of a person's blood reveals microorganisms. Has to have direct
access to the source. Ex: pneumonia, skin abscesses, IV
Bacteremia-2
Bacteria in IV - pic line (arms), central lines (chest)
Septicemia
When bacterium results in systemic infection. Will kill people every day, very hard to
catch someone who is septic, causes confusion (s/s). Multi-system shutdown. Ex: MRSA,
toxic shock syndrome (tampons)
Acute infections
Appear suddenly or last a short time. Ex: strep throat, cold, tonsillitis, appendicitis
Chronic infections
, Occurs slowly or, over a long period, and may last months or years. Ex: diabetes, HIV,
cancer, bone infections (especially diabetics)
The main difference between local and systemic infection is FEVER
IT TAKES CULTURE OR BACTERIA 72 HOURS TO GROW
systemic infections
can become septic
Nosocomial Infection
originates in a health care facility (HAI - healthcare associated infections)
HAI
Healthcare-associated infection
Common HAI's
MRSA, stomach bugs, C.Diff, Shigella, UTI's, surgical sites, pneumonia o Factors- hand
hygiene
etiologic agent
agent responsible for causing disease
Microorganisms/Microbes
organisms that are too small to be seen with the unaided eye; ex strep
reservoir
where organisms live eg hands, wounds GI tract ; Carrier: plants, animals, bugs,
person, food, water (carry the microorganism, they are not effected by it)
Portal of Exit
Must leave reservoir Ex: coughing, sneezing, saliva & mucous membranes, feces &
urine, drainage, open wound
Method of transmission
Transmission movement of pathogens from a reservoir to a susceptible host; it can be
by direct or indirect contact or through airborne transmission Vehicle borne
transmission transport of an infectious agent into a susceptible host via any
intermediate substance (e.g., fomites or food) FORMITE objects that are likely to carry
infection Ex: baby blanket, paci, furniture, ▪ Vector Borne- animal/mosquito/ tick
Airborne Transmission The spread of an organism via droplets or dust; air/dust portal of