FUNDA LAB

• Asepsis refers to freedom from disease-causing microorganisms. Aseptic Technique is used to decrease the possibility of transferring microorganisms from one place to another
• Normal flora in the GI system is a balance of bacteria
• Disruption of normal flora can lead to the development of superinfections
• Infection is the growth of microorganisms in body tissues where they are not usually found. An infectious agent is the microorganism causing the infection
• If an infection produces no clinical evidence of disease, it is called asymptomatic or subclinical
• Disease is a detectable alteration in normal tissue function
• Virulence refers to the microorganism's ability to produce disease. It varies in the severity of diseases produced and their degree of communicability
• Two basic types of asepsis:

  1. Medical Asepsis (Cleaning Technique):

  • Intended to confine a specific microorganism to a specific area
  • Limits the number of growth and transmission of microorganisms
  • Objects are classified as clean (almost free of microorganisms) or dirty (contains contaminants)
  • Handwashing is important to protect oneself and clients

  2. Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique):

  • Keeps an area or object free of all microorganisms
  • Destroys all microorganisms and spores
  • Used for all procedures, including in sterile areas of the body
• Sepsis is a condition in which acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection
• Septicemia is an infection that has reached the bloodstream
• Septic shock is the deadliest complication of septicemia
• Cerebral hypoxia results in changes in the level of consciousness
• Types of shocks:

  1. Hypovolemic Shock: Due to dehydration or hemorrhage

  2. Anaphylactic Shock: A complication of an allergic reaction

  3. Cardiogenic Shock: Due to a reduction in cardiac output
• Types of microorganisms that cause infections:

  1. Bacteria:

  • Most common
  • Named after their shape (bacillus, cocci, spirilla)
  • Can be transported through various mediums

  2. Viruses:

  • Consist primarily of nucleic acids
  • Must enter a host cell to reproduce

  3. Fungi:

  • Include yeasts and molds
  • Can cause fungal infections

  4. Parasites:

  • Live on other living organisms, including protozoa, helminths, and arthropods
• Types of infections:

  1. Colonization: Microorganisms become resident flora without causing disease

  2. Local Infection: Limited to a specific part of the body

  3. Systemic Infection: Microorganisms spread and damage different parts of the body

  4. Bacteremia: Bacteria reach the blood

  5. Septicemia: Bacteremia results in systemic infection

  6. Acute Infection: Appears suddenly and lasts for a short time

  7. Chronic Infection: Develops slowly and may last a long time
• Nosocomial infections are acquired in hospitals, either during a client's stay or after discharge. They can be caused by bacteria that have developed resistance to antibacterial treatments
• Healthcare-associated infections are generally acquired in healthcare settings and can originate from clients or the hospital environment/personnel. Iatrogenic infections can contribute to nosocomial infections
• Chain of infection:

  1. Etiologic Agent: Direct cause of infection, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites

  2. Reservoir: Source of microorganisms where they thrive and multiply

  3. Portal of Exit from Reservoir: Microorganisms must exit the reservoir to infect the host

  4. Mode of Transmission: Direct, indirect (vehicle-borne or vector-borne), or airborne

  5. Portal of Entry to the Susceptible Host: Where microorganisms enter the body

  6. Susceptible Host: Individuals at risk for infections, including compromised hosts