NURS 202 Chapter Notes - Chapter 32: Hand Washing, Asepsis, Sensory Deprivation
Document Summary
Hand hygiene is the most important technique to use in preventing and controlling the transmission of infection. The potential for microorganisms to cause disease depends on the number of organisms, their virulence, their ability to enter and survive in a host, and the susceptibility of the host. Normal body flora help to resist infection by releasing antibacterial substances and inhibiting the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. The signs of local inflammation and infection are identical. An infection can develop as long as the six elements making up the chain of infection are uninterrupted. Microorganisms are transmitted by direct and indirect contact, droplets, airborne particles, and contaminated vehicles and vectors. Advancing age, poor nutrition, stress, diseases of the immune system, chronic disease, and treatments or conditions that compromise the immune response increase a person"s susceptibility to infection. The major sites for health care associated infection (hai) are the urinary and respiratory tracts, the bloodstream, and surgical or traumatic wounds.
