Table of Contents
What is an infection control risk?
Infection control risks can stem from a variety of areas in a healthcare organization, and most can lead to significant patient (or staff) harm. Some common examples include: • Lack of hand hygiene. • Unsafe injection practices. • Poor cleaning, disinfection, sterilization of instruments and scopes.
Who is most at risk of infection in a health care setting?
5 This means older patients are more likely to be admitted to the hospital than younger patients, and the older the patient, the more susceptible they are to catching an infection.
Which infections are considered healthcare-associated infections?
These healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) include central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Infections may also occur at surgery sites, known as surgical site infections.
What is an infection acquired in a healthcare facility?
A nosocomial infection is contracted because of an infection or toxin that exists in a certain location, such as a hospital. People now use nosocomial infections interchangeably with the terms health-care associated infections (HAIs) and hospital-acquired infections.
What are two of the infection risks that might occur in the workplace?
Transmission of infection
- breathing in airborne germs – coughs or sneezes release airborne pathogens, which are then inhaled by others.
- touching contaminated objects or eating contaminated food – the pathogens in a person’s faeces may be spread to food or other objects, if their hands are dirty.
What are the potential risks of infection within the workplace?
Potential risks of infection within the workplace Carrying out personal care to individuals (washing, toileting, etc.). Using shared equipment (hoists, mobility aids, etc.). Disposing of clinical waste (exposure to body fluids). Unclean shared environments (toilets, bathrooms).
Which of the following are risk factors for healthcare-associated infections?
Risk Factors for HAIs These include, for example, patient characteristics, such as, age or underlying diseases or conditions that may compromise the immune system; presence of indwelling or invasive medical devices, such as catheters or breathing tubes; complications from surgical procedures; and antibiotic use.
Which of the following is are an example of a healthcare acquired infection?
Hospital-acquired infections are caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens; the most common types are bloodstream infection (BSI), pneumonia (eg, ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]), urinary tract infection (UTI), and surgical site infection (SSI).