NURS 3234 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Spinal Canal, Sputum, Body Fluid
Document Summary
The infection cycle: bacteria, fungi, viruses, mold. Rationale: bacteria are the most significant infection-causing agents in the health care system. Bacteria can be categorized by shape, by their reaction to the gram stain, or according to their need for oxygen. Fungi (molds and yeasts) can cause infection and are present in the air, soil, and water. Viruses cause infections including the common cold and do not respond to antibiotics. Infectious agents: bacteria: most significant and most prevalent in hospital settings, virus: smallest of all microorganisms, fungi: plant-like organisms present in air, soil, and water. Factors affecti(cid:374)g a(cid:374) orga(cid:374)is(cid:373)"s pote(cid:374)tial to produce disease: number of organisms, virulence, co(cid:373)pete(cid:374)(cid:272)e of perso(cid:374)"s i(cid:373)(cid:373)u(cid:374)e syste(cid:373) Length and intimacy of contact between person and microorganism. Possible reservoirs for microorganisms: other people, animals, soil, food, water, milk. Inanimate objects: rabies, giardia, e. coli, influenza. Rationale: influenza may be spread if a person touches a contaminated article and then touches o(cid:374)e"s eyes or (cid:374)ose.
