Professional Nursing course by Mehreen Asad.pptx

Professional Nursing course by Mehreen Asad

1. Asepsis and Infection Control Infection control plays a vital role in healthcare and daily life. Understanding the chain of infection and applying proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Dr. Mehreen Asad

2. The Chain of Infection Infectious Agent A microorganism that causes disease (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) Reservoir Where the microorganism lives (humans, animals, surfaces) Portal of Exit How the microorganism leaves the reservoir (coughing, sneezing, blood, bodily fluids) Mode of Transmission How the microorganism spreads (direct contact, airborne, contaminated objects)

3. Ways Infection May Occur 1 Direct Contact Touching an infected person (e.g., handshake, hugging, kissing) 2 Indirect Contact Touching contaminated objects (e.g., doorknobs, medical tools, surfaces) 3 Droplet Transmission Coughing, sneezing, or talking releases infected droplets into the air 4 Airborne Transmission Tiny particles remain suspended in the air and infect people over long distances

4. Factors Increasing Infection Risk Poor Hygiene Not washing hands properly or maintaining cleanliness Weakened Immune System Due to illness, medication, or age (newborns and elderly are at higher risk) Crowded Environments Hospitals, schools, and public places increase exposure to infections Lack of Sanitation Poor waste disposal and unclean surroundings create a breeding ground for microbes Inadequate Infection Control Failure to follow hygiene and safety protocols in healthcare settings

5. Role of Healthcare Personnel in Infection Control Hand Hygiene Practicing proper hand hygiene before and after patient contact Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Wearing gloves, masks, and gowns Sterilization and Disinfection Following strict sterilization and disinfection procedures for medical tools Patient Education Educating patients and caregivers about hygiene and infection prevention

6. Medical vs. Surgical Asepsis Medical Asepsis (Clean Technique) Aims to reduce the number of microorganisms Used in routine patient care (e.g., handwashing, wearing gloves, disinfecting surfaces) Surgical Asepsis (Sterile Technique) Aims to eliminate all microorganisms from objects and areas Used in surgical procedures and invasive techniques (e.g., inserting catheters, performing surgeries)

7. Conclusion Asepsis and infection control are vital for protecting patients and healthcare workers. By understanding the chain of infection and applying appropriate hygiene and safety measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of infections.