Transcript Unit 4 assignment 1: modes of action

Emerson May II
Microbiology
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Transient Organisms- acquired
from patient environment
Superficial layers of skin
 Temporary flora
 Does not reestablish
 Easily removed by hand
washing
 Associated with transmission of
infection
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An infection occurring in patient
during hospital which was not
present upon admission
Infection acquired after discharge;
and also occupational infections
among health care workers
Nosocomial/hospital infection
On average a patient spends 11 days
or longer in hospital if they acquire
health care associated infection
HCAI are costly and one of the
leading costs in hospitals r/t
hospitalization
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Importance of hand washing
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Hand washing prevents the spread of
germs and bacteria
Antibiotics do not kill germs on the
hands.
Hands are exposed the most and carry the
most germs; then germs transmitted to
eyes, mouth nose, or food then
transferred into the body.
Germs hide on all areas: remotes, door
knobs, faucets, and so much more.
Hand washing is a safeguard against
infectious agents.
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Alcohol-Based Products
Gel: used in dispensers, no drip, amount is measured, individual bottles
for personal use
 Foam: difficult to measure accurate amount for killing germs
 Rinse: may splash/drip, measurable amount
 Wipe: limited effect, single-use; convenient
 If not used properly alcohol-based products will not be
effective in killing germs
 Alcohol in the sanitizer kills 60%-70% of germs
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Alcohol-Based Rub
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Requires less time
Acts quickly to kill
microorganisms
More accessible
Less irritating to skin
Can improve skin condition
Apply rub to palm of one hand
Rub hands together covering all
areas hands/fingers
Rub hands together until dry
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Washing With Soap/Water
Interrupts the spread of disease
 Wash hands with soap/water
for 20-30 seconds singing
“happy birthday”
 Remove any jewelry before
washing
 Wash hands up above wrists
and rinse downward removing
dirt away from body
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Understand why healthcare workers
MUST NOT exercise poor hygiene:
Poor personal hygiene
 Ear jewelry
 Wear artificial/ have long nails
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Why
Nails can puncture gloves
 Can get caught in objects
 Poor personal hygiene can be a breeding
ground for microorganisms/fungi
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Real time location
Motion sensors when entering
and leaving rooms
 Monitoring hand gel/soap
dispensers when entering and
leaving rooms
 These will give us estimate
numbers of hand hygiene and
show us where we need to
improve
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5 moments for hand hygiene
Before touching a patient
 Before clean/aseptic procedure
 After body fluid exposure risk
 After touching a patient
 After touching patient
surroundings
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Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. (2015, January 8). Retrieved February 23, 2015,
from http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/
Adult health. (2015, January 1). Retrieved February 23, 2015, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/handwashing/art-20046253