PHA 6114

AUGUST 28, 2020- 5PM

1.) Discuss the techniques for isolation precaution used to prevent the spread of health-care
associated infections.

Several precautions are applied in medical facilities to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The
Study of the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control validated that Infection control programs were
proven to be effective—reducing the rates by 32 percent. It is fundamental for effective infection control
to have organized surveillance, trained infection control experts that its task is in the monitoring of
infections inside wards, and who responds immediately to outbreak control measures. An infection
control nurse; is responsible for preventing the transmission of organisms to other patients and a
process of constant feedback of infection rates to clinical care staff.

Multiple environmental factors contribute to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as the ratio of
health-care workers to patients, level of training for the front liners, and improper application of aseptic
techniques by staff. To overcome all these factors, various protocols are strictly implied. The practice of
proper hand washing and glove usage is a major factor in preventing the infection from spreading from
person to person. Proper use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, gowns, face mask,
protective eyewear, face shield) is also one of the infection control practices that significantly reduces
HAI. This is to protect the health workers skin, eyes, nose and mouth from possible exposure to blood or
other harmful bodily fluids. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Blood
borne Pathogens Standard, health-care workers must be properly educated on the proper use of PPE
and be able to identify work-related infections and have access to regular vaccinations. Besides that, it is
also important that health care staff enters an isolation room using the specified or designated PPE to
avoid cross contamination. It is also important to properly remove PPE after leaving the patients room
or at the end of the day.

2.) identify the means of transmission within a health care facility.

Transmission of infection within a health care setting requires three elements: a source of infecting
microorganisms, a susceptible host, and a means of transmission for the microorganism to the host
(Collins, A.). During the delivery of health care, patients can be exposed to various microorganisms from
other patients, visitors, or health care personnel. According to Gastmeier et. al, the most common
source of Health care associated infections, are the medical equipment or devices, the over-all hospital
environment, the personnel, contaminated drugs, food, and patient care equipment. There are also 4
means of transmission among patients and health care personnel, and these are spread through contact
(direct or indirect), respiratory droplets, common vehicle, and airborne spread. Common vehicle
(common source) refers to the kind of transmission that applies when multiple people are exposed to
the virus via contaminated food, water, medications, or devices.

Gastmeier, P., Stamm-Balderjahn S, Hansen S, et. al. (2005). How outbreaks can contribute to
prevention of nosocomial infection: analysis of 1,022 outbreaks. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol.
Retrieved from:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15865271/
Collins, A. (n.d.). Preventing Health Care-Associated Infections. Retrieved from: cbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/.

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Occupational exposure to
bloodborne pathogens: final rule. 29 CFR Part 1910.1030. Federal Register. 1991 Dec 6;56:64174–82.