Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 3 SAFETY PRACTICES.

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 3

SAFETY PRACTICES


Disease Transmission

Microorganism- can not be seen with the human eye

Pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease; bacteria, fungi, virus etc.

*Infection requires three elements – Source of microorganisms that is a pathogen– A susceptible host– A means of transmission to the host *Nosocomial Infection-________________________________________________________


Methods of Transmission

• Contact– Direct or indirect through an inanimate object

• Droplet• Airborne• Common vehicle

– Water, food, contaminated equipment

• Through vectors– Mosquitoes, flies, rats, and other such vermin

**Equipment /work surfaces must be cleaned when they are visibly contaminated or at the end of the day


Infection

• Symptomatic• Asymptomatic- No symptoms• Local infection is limited to a small area of the

body • Systemic infection is located throughout the body• Signs and symptoms of a general infection include

fever, chills, pain, an ache or tenderness, general feeling of tiredness, and night sweats

• Signs and symptoms of a local infection may include redness, heat, swelling, pain, or fluid


Isolation Precautions 2 levels of precautions established by the Hospital

Infection Control• Standard Isolation Precautions (Universal

Precautions) are applied to ALL patients; designed to reduce the transmission of microorganisms both diagnosed and undiagnosed

• Transmission-Based Precautions are applied to patients with known or suspected infections

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)-gloves, gowns, eyewear, footwear, masks, headwear

-An mask and eye protection must be worn if fluids can splash or spray


Table 3-1 Isolation Precautions


Box 3-2 Requirements of Standard Precautions


Box 3-3 Bioterrorism Agents Bacteria Classification:

1. Shape

2. Aerobic

3. Anaerobic

*Staphylococci are round and cause impetigo and boils

*Bacilli are rod-shaped

*Diplococci- paired

*Streptococci- chains


Types of Microorganisms

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Protozoa

• Rickettsiae (parasites)

• Viruses


Handwashing Technique

•Hands are washed thoroughly at the beginning of the work period– Between each client contact– Before and after eating– Before and after using the restroom– Before leaving the work environment•Gloves are worn when contact is made

with body fluids, mucous membranes, or wet secretions


Principles of Asepsis • Medical asepsis can be evaluated on three levels

– Antiseptics, which inhibit the growth of bacteria; they can be used on the skin

– Disinfectants are agents that destroy most bacteria and viruses. They can be caustic or harmful to the skin. Disinfection can be accomplished by boiling as well as by using chemical agents.

– Sterile, also referred to as surgical asepsis, is a state of sterility or the use of sterile technique

-removes all microorganisms-use of an autoclave-isolation of a patient


Ominbus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) Regulations

• OBRA requires training for nursing assistants. This includes:– Completion of a written examination– Demonstration of ability to perform skills

correctly– Continuing education– Periodic evaluation of performance– Retraining if the nursing assistant does not work

in the field for 2 years or more at one time


Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations• Established in 1970• To establish standards of safety for the

workplace and to enforce the standards

• To research and provide documentation to OSHA regarding the safe level of exposure to

hazards in the workplace • Employee exposure protocol= 2 hours to reportEx of OSHA for patients: requires all tattoo

parlors to have a health dept permit; must have consent before performing a tattoo or piercing; tetanus is possible contamination with tattoos


Box 3-4 Material Safety Data Sheet

OSHA- “Right to Know” for employees


Safe Movement

• Body mechanics– Refers to the way the body is moved to

prevent injury to oneself and to others– Accomplished by using knowledge of proper

body alignment, balance, and movement– Posture is the position of body parts in

relation to each other – Balance is the ability to maintain a steady

position that does not tip


Symbols of Access

• Wheelchair ramps• Doors are wide enough to

accommodate a wheelchair• Elevators have Braille indicators• Telephones and drinking fountains

are placed at a lower height


Identifying and Reporting Hazards • A fire may be controlled or extinguished • Oxygen and electrical equipment may be

turned off • Four classes of chemical fire extinguishers

– Class A: for use on paper, wood, trash, cloth, upholstery, rubber, and similar materials

– Class B: for use on fuel oil, gas, paint, solvents, and other flammable liquids

– Class C: for use on electrical equipment, fuse boxes, wiring and appliances

– Class D: for use on metals


Hazardous Waste

• Waste is divided into two categories – Biomedical

• Hazardous and infectious waste is placed in sealed bags before removing it from the area of use; the bag is labeled and sealed to alert workers; sharps containers are used for needles, razors and glass

– General


Emergency Disaster Procedures • Caused by nature or man

– Tornados– Explosions– Plane crashes– Earthquakes

Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 3 SAFETY PRACTICES.

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Transcript of Copyright 2003 by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 3 SAFETY PRACTICES.