Description of the Learner:

Learning needs Diagnoses: Subjective Data: Objective Data:

Objectives LTO: after 1 hour to two hours of nurse patient discussion, the patient will be able to enumerate the 6 links in the chain of infection STO: after 15-30 mins of nurse patient discussion, the patient will be able to recall past information about infection and how it is transmitted Learning Content Content Time frame Methodology/Strategy As individuals, it is important to understand two things about infection: 5-10 mins Lecture 1. the various ways infection can be transmitted One-on-one discussion 2. the ways the infection chain can be broken Question-and-answer portion There are six links in the chain of infection : 10-15 mins 1st - The Infectious Agent -any disease-causing microorganism (pathogen) -an entity that is capable of causing disease. Agents that cause disease may be as follows: >biologic agents: living organisms that invade the host, causing disease such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and rickettsia >chemical agents: substances that can interact with the body, causing disease such as food additives, medications, pesticides and industrial chemicals >physical agents: factors in the environment that are capable of causing disease, such as heat, light, noise and radiation *the main concern is biological agents and their effects on the host 2nd - The Reservoir Host 10-15 mins -the organism in which the infectious microbes reside A reservoir that promotes growth of pathogens must contain proper nutrients such as oxygen and organic matter, maintain proper temperature, contain moisture, maintain a compatible pH level and maintain the proper amount of light exposure. Common reservoirs:

o Humans o Animals o Environment o Fomites What are Carrier Hosts Hosts that do not show any outward signs or symptoms of a disease but are still capable of transmitting the disease are known as carriers. 3rd - The Portal of Exit -route of escape of the pathogen from the reservoir. Examples: respiratory secretions, blood exposure, break in skin, tears, saliva, semen, vaginal secretions, urine 4th - The Route of Transmission -method by which the pathogen gets from the reservoir to the new host Transmission may occur through: -direct contact through touching, bathing, rubbing, toileting, secretions, sexual contact -indirect contact through fomites (clothing, bed linens, dressing, HC equipment, instruments, personal belongings) -air (coughing, talking, sneezing) -vehicle (water, blood, drugs, food, urine) -insects 5th - The Portal of Entry -route through which the pathogen enters its new host Inhalation, ingestion, Sexual contact, Breaks in Protective Skin Barrier, Transplacental 6th - The Susceptible Host -the organism that accepts the pathogen or is affected by an agent A susceptible host is a person who has no resistance to an agent and is thus vulnerable to the disease A compromised host is a person whose normal body defenses are impaired and therefore susceptible to infection Characteristics of the host influence the susceptibility to and severity of infections. These include: >age >concurrent disease >stress >immunization/ vaccination status >lifestyle >occupation >nutritional status

3-5 mins

5-10 mins

5-10 mins

10-20 mins

>heredity The support of pathogen life & its reproduction depend on the degree of the host s resistance. Organisms with strong immune systems are better able to fend off pathogens. Organisms with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the support & reproduction of pathogens. How to interrupt the chain of infection: -The essential part of patient care & self-protection. 1. Pathogen Identification -identification of infectious agent & appropriate treatment 2. Asepsis & Hygiene -potential hosts & carriers must practice asepsis & maintain proper personal hygiene 3. Control Portals of Exit -healthcare personnel must practice standard precautions: (Control body secretions & wash hands according to protocol.) 4. Prevent a Route of Transmission -prevent direct or indirect contact by: 1. Proper handwashing 2. Disinfection & sterilization techniques 3. Isolation of infected patients 4. Not working when contagious 5. Protect Portal of Entry -Health professionals must make sure that ports of entry are not subjected to pathogens. (nose, mouth, eyes, urinary tract, open wounds, etc.) 6. Recognition of Susceptible Host -health professionals must recognize & protect high-risk patients Cancer Patients AIDS Patients Transplant Patients Infant & Elderly Patients (chain of infection schematic diagram presentation)

10-30 mins

10-30 mins

Recap of what has been discussed Summarization Question and answer portion

Evaluation

References Foundations of Nursing 2nd edition by Lois White Nursing Fundamentals: Caring and Clinical Decision Making by Rick Daniels