Week 3 TLE 101

Implementing and Monitoring Infection Control Policies and Procedures

The learner can identify the policies and procedures in implementing and monitoring infection control. Practice
occupational health and safety procedures.

Infection is common when one is engaged in providing health care. However, the spread of infection can be
dealt with effectively when one has sufficient knowledge on the source and transmission of infection.

How infection Spread

Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic organism. These germs are found in
the environment (water, soil, air) as well as in human beings. These are transmitted through body secretions
stool, nasal mucus, blood, etc. Physical contact (skin diseases, lice, etc.) contaminated objects (syringe, toys,
towels, dining implements, combs, food, water, etc.) and in the tiny droplets that are generated by breathing,
coughing, and sneezing.

Sources of Infections

1. Stools – Germs that cause diarrhea or other infections of the intestinal tract are found in feces. If
personal hygiene is insufficient, stool may contaminate hands, food, water, surrounding objects and
surfaces.
2. Droplets - Germs that cause colds and strep throats are found in the saliva and secretions of the nose.
Colds and other minor infections including the eyes, nose and throat are most frequent illnesses in
young children.
3. Contact with blood - the skin offers an excellent protection when in contact with blood. Several
infections may be spread by blood to blood contact when there is a break in the skin or wound.
4. Direct Body Contact - infections particularly skin infections such as ringworm and impetigo are spread
by direct skin to skin contact.
5. Contaminated Objects -These can easily transmit infections between persons. It is important that all
objects used by the patient are properly cleaned and sanitized before storing or reusing. Water and
food to be served should come from clean sources.

Vocabulary:
Excretions - Waste matter from the tissues or organs of the body such as feces, urine ,nasal mucus, and
perspiration.
Respiratory Tract - refers to the organs of respiration such as the nose, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
Secretion - substances formed and discharged by cell, tissues or organs such as pus, fluid from small pox,
blisters and sweat from the sweat glands.

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 Work Procedures for infection Control
Proper hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in the workplace.
This is according to guidelines from national and international infection prevention and control
organizations.
•Hand washing results in a reduced incidence of community infections.
•Hand washing with plain soap is effective in removing germs that inhabit parts of the body.
•Use adequate amount of soap, rub the hands together to create some friction, scrub in-between the
fingers, clean the nails and rinse under running water.
•Wash hands promptly and thoroughly as possible after contact with blood body fluids, secretions,
excretions and equipment or articles contaminated by them.

Other Steps the caregiver can do the following:

1. Cover cough and sneezes

2. Use gloves, masks and protective clothing. Gloves are worn to:
•Provide a protective barrier and to prevent gross contamination
•Reduce the likelihood that the infection is transmitted to another person.
•Reduce the likelihood of microorganisms to present on the hands to be transmitted to the person
being cared for.
3. Dispose used tissues, cottons, and needles immediately and properly.
4. Have oneself immunized
5. Keep skin clean and free breaks or wounds. Skin openings are great entry points for some infections.

Exercise/Activity:

I. Make a web diagram on the sources and transmission of infection by adding as many words and arrows as
possible to the diagram below.

Cough hand

Hand

II. What are the sources of infections?

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 III. How are infections transmitted?

IV. How are infections controlled while providing health care?

Reference:

Exploratory Home Economics Technology and livelihood Education, Aida H. Rondilla,Rosalina B. Silva (Pages12-15)