VNSG1423 MODULE2: with ASSIGNMENT for Y's

Pathogenicity is the ability of a micro-organism to produce disease.

Many microorganisms that are normally harmless can cause disease under certain circumstances. A "true" pathogen causes disease or infection in a healthy individual.

•Isolation practices •PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) •=> Gloves •=> Gowns •=> Masks/Eyewear

In isolation practices, items known as PPE (personal protective equipment) are used to protect the individual from hazards in the environment such as blood and body fluids (semen, urine, secretions, discharge, mucus). In certain situations and according to what type of isolation the patient is in, particular items may be used. For most contact with blood and body fluids, an individual will utilize gloves. 1) Gloves: - are worn for three reasons-they protect the hands when there is a likely chance of coming into contact with blood and body fluids, the reduce the likelihood of the nurse transmitting their own endogenous microorganisms to persons receiving care; - the reduce the chance that the nurse's hands will transmit microorganisms from one patient or an object to another patient. - Gloves are always changed between patients and hands are always washed when gloves are removed because they (the gloves) may have imperfections or be damaged during the wear so that they could allow microorganisms to enter and the hands may become contaminated during removal of the gloves. 2) Gowns: - either clean or disposable impervious (water-resistant) gowns or plastic aprons may be worn during procedures where the uniform is likely to become soiled. - Sterile gowns may be used when the nurse is changing the dressing of a patient with extensive wounds such as burns. 3) Face masks -are worn to reduce the risk for transmission of organisms by droplet or airborne routes and by splatters of body substances. -The CDC recommends masks be worn by those who will be in close proximity to the patient if the infection is transmitted by large-particle aerosol (droplets) generally this is a distance of within 3 feet. - by all persons entering the room if the infection is transmitted by small particle aerosol. - Small-particle aerosols remain suspended in the air and can travel greater distances by air. - Eyewear such as goggles, glasses or face shields and masks are again indicated in situations where body substances may splatter the face. -Even if the nurse wears prescription glasses, there must be protective eyewear utilized.

Healthcare-Associated Infections. (HAI) HAIs are infections patients can get while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility.

These infections are a major, yet often preventable threat to patient safety. Most infections that become clinically evident after 48 hours of admission to a healthcare facility, 3 days after the patient is discharged from the HC facility or 30 days after a surgical procedure can be considered healthcare-associated => if the organisms were acquired during the healthcare facility stay. These infections matter as once a patient gets a HAI, the patient's length of stay will be extended, => if the patient already has numerous chronic illnesses and a weakened immune system, => this could potentially prove fatal(죽음을 초래하는, 치명적인) for the patient. Some of the most commonly occurring HAIs are -CLABSI (Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection), -CAUTI (Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection), -SSI (Surgical Site Infection) -VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia) According to the CDC on any given day, about 1 in 25 hospitalized patients has a HAI.

•Isolation Precautions -Transmission-based (Tier II): 1. airborne

Tier II or Transmission based: those precautions that are taken when coming into contact with specific microorganisms. Airborne isolation /precautions is often used when an individual has a pathogen that is primarily transmitted by airborne contact or those pathogens that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air; such as TB (tuberculosis), rubeola virus (measles), varicella virus (chicken pox), and possibly SARS. The organism is less than 5 microns. Appropriate barrier precautions are: -private room, negative airflow of at least six air exchanges per hour; -respiratory or mask. (often use the N95 HEPA Mask) or P100 respirator mask for all persons entering room-also check agency policy. All doors and windows must remain closed, the rooms are private with negative flow (meaning when the door is opened to the room, air will rush out of the room.

Asepsis( 무균의) is considered freedom from disease-causing microorganisms.

To decrease the ability of transmission of one m.o. to another, aseptic technique is utilized.

Of the following, which are precautions for a person in reverse isolation? (Select all that apply) a. Persons with a temperature above 99.9F may enter the room. b. No fresh fruit or flowers. c. No raw meats. d. No persons with a current fever.

b. No fresh fruit or flowers. c. No raw meats. d. No persons with a current fever.

Of the following, which are precautions for a person in reverse isolation? (Select all that apply) a. Persons with a temperature above 99.9F may enter the room. b. No fresh fruit or flowers. c. No raw meats. d. No persons with a current fever.

b. No fresh fruit or flowers. c. No raw meats. d. No persons with a current fever.

•Disease vs. illness

A disease is a detectable alteration in normal tissue function an infection is an invasion of body tissue by microorganisms and their growth there.

Disposal of items:

Dispose of equipment properly and appropriately; -articles that are contaminated / likely to have been contaminated with blood, pus, feces, / other bodily secretions need to be enclosed in a sturdy bag impervious to microorganisms before they are removed from the room. -The CDC also provided specific guidelines for bagging of items.

Virulence is the degree of pathogenicity.

For example, consider HIV is a relatively weak virus outside of the body but is virulent in the body. known as the ability of a microorganism to produce disease.

Some other things to consider are:

-Teach nature of the patient's condition, -teach purpose of barriers, -identifies way to carry out specific precautions with return demonstration, - provide sensory stimulation, - do not abandon-encourage visitors, - provide reading materials, - clock, - keep room neat and light, - listen to needs and concerns, - isolation marker on door explaining type of isolation and visitors need to check with nurse's station before entering the room.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

-The means by which an organism transfers from one carrier to another by either direct transmission (direct contact between infectious host and susceptible host) -indirect transmission (which involves an intermediate carrier like an environmental surface—vector). This is one step where the nurse can break the chain of infection with regard to use of -standard precautions, -airflow control, -food handling, -isolation, -sterilization, -do not shake linens, -keep objects off the floor when fall on the floor DO NOT use on patients and personal items for each patient.

SUSCEPTIBLE HOST:

-age (young people and elderly are generally more at risk), -underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma, -conditions that weaken the immune system like HIV, ----certain types of medications, invasive devices like feeding tubes, and malnutrition. Break the chain of infection here by -lubricating the skin, regular turning of immobile patients, -regular oral hygiene and flossing, -adequate fluid intake (flushing urinary bladder; keeps skin hydrated); -turn, cough and deep breath immobilized patients every two hours, -recognition of at risk patients. Each piece of the link must be present in order for an infection to occur. To break the chain of infection, some things included (but not limited to) Infectious agent: 1) rapid and accurate identification of organism through culture and sensitivity; 2) disinfection and sterilization of articles before use; 3) patient education regarding appropriate methods of cleaning and sterilization. Development of an infection depends on: -number of organisms present, -ability of organism to produce disease (virulence), -ability of organism to enter and survive in the host - susceptibility of host (patients with decreased immunity or compromised immune systems) are much more likely to become infected.

SURGICAL ASEPSIS is also known as sterile technique. This involves techniques that destroy all microorganisms and spores (microscopic dormant structures formed by some pathogens that are very hardy and often survive common cleaning techniques). This is often employed prior to procedures that involve exposure of the internal or sterile parts of the body -insertion of a Foley catheter -injection or aspiration of a joint, or surgery. It is imperative to maintain sterility to prevent infection from occurring in the body-which could be detrimental to the patient.

-eliminates all pathogens - referred to as "sterile technique" -used in: => dressing changes => characterizations => surgical procedures

MEDICAL ASEPSIS includes: practices included to confine a specific m.o. to a specific area; -limiting the #, growth & transmission of the m.o. objects are referred to as -clean (absence of almost all microorganisms) -dirty (soiled, contaminated).

-reduces number of pathogens -referred to as "clean techniques" -used in administration of: => medications => enemas => tube feedings => daily hygiene *handwriting is number

septicemia

. When bacteremia results in a systemic infection

For the nurse caring for the patient on droplet precautions, the nurse will wear a mask when within ___ feet of the patient. (Please place the correct numerical value in the box).

3 (feet)

n order to be considered an HAI (Hospital Acquired Infection), the patient develops a clinically evident infection within ____ hours of admission. (Please place the correct numerical answer in the box).

48 The patient develops a clinically evident infection within 48 hours.

In the consideration of Airborne isolation, the size of the organism is less than ___ microns. (Fill in the blank with a number)

5 (microns)

For an alcohol-based sanitizer to be considered effective, it must contain ______% alcohol. (Place the correct numerical value in the box).

60 Correct answer: 60%. According to the CDC alcohol-based hand sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective.

Of the following, which would be areas of assessment in immune function? (Select all that apply) a. Age-adults are usually high-risk for infection. b. Inadequate nutrition especially protein leads to inability to synthesize (produce) antibodies. c. History of infectious disease or recent exposure. d. Allergies to medication, food and environmental. e. History of autoimmune disease. f. Daily exercise and proper, balanced diet. g. The elderly person with altered immune function.

:b. Inadequate nutrition especially protein leads to inability to synthesize (produce) antibodies. c. History of infectious disease or recent exposure. d. Allergies to medication, food and environmental. e. History of autoimmune disease. g. The elderly person with altered immune function.

Antimicrobial Use

Antimicrobial use has been beneficial to -reduce illness -death from infectious agents when prescribed and taken correctly. Use of drugs widely and for so long has led to: - the infectious organisms the antimicrobials are designed to kill have adapted to them, -making the drugs less effective. -Some microorganisms develop resistance to a single medication -Other develop resistance to several antimicrobial agents or classes of agents. -There has been increased concern over drug resistant bacteria. Some the CDC has classified into three different categories: -Urgent (such as Neisseria gonorrhea and Clostridium difficile), -Serious (such as VRE-Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus and MRSA) -Concerning Threats (such as Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus A and Clindamycin Resistant Group B Streptococcus). -Effects of Antimicrobial Drug Resistance:Longer and more expensive hospital staysDeath as result of infection

INFECTIOUS DISEASE:

Any m.o. that can cause a disease such as bacterium, virus, parasite or fungus. Reasons that the organism will cause an infection are -virulence (ability to multiply and grow), -invasiveness (ability to enter tissue) -pathogenicity (ability to cause disease). *For an infection to develop, each link of the chain must be connected. Breaking any link of the chain can stop the transmission of infection.

Handwashing •Friction

Friction is essential in ridding the hands of microorganisms. Friction helps to loosen and remove dirt and transient bacteria.Interlacing fingers and thumbs ensures that all surfaces are cleansed. Think about how rubbing the hands together and between the fingers and the nails is stressed when discussing hand washing. Microorganisms want to "cling" to the hands and without the use of friction, those organisms may not come off.

Running Water

Running water is so imperative. Think about putting your hands in stagnant water in a basin that others have washed their hands in? The potential for microorganism exposure is very high! Running water washes the microorganisms away from the clean hands. When rinsing the hands, ensure the hands are pointed downward to allow the water to rinse the bacteria/dirt from the hands. (You want to rinse from the least contaminated to the most contaminated). When washing the hands, do not use hot water (has the potential to dry the skin and create cracks in the skin that could be potential openings for micro-organisms) but rather warm water (although the CDC has determined that the temperature of water does not appear to affect microbe removal).

A local infection is limited to a specific part of the body where the causative agent (pathogen) remains.

Some symptoms of localized infection are: -swelling -redness -pain or tenderness to touch or movement -palpable heat at the site -loss of function of the affected body part - presence of exudate (exudate is fluid that escapes from the blood vessels, dead phagocytic cells dead tissue cells products that they release.

•Isolation Precautions -Standard (Tier I)

Standard Precautions: There are standard (Tier I) isolation precautions. You may hear this referred to as Universal Precautions. These are measures we all take when coming into contact with blood and/or body fluids; such as wearing gloves, a mask, or a gown.

a systemic infection is where the causative agent (pathogen or microorganism) spreads and damages different parts of the body.

Symptoms of a systemic infection are -fever -increased pulse & respiration - lack of energy - anorexia - enlarged lymph nodes.

Sepsis is considered a _______ type of infection. (Place the correct term in the blank)

Systemic or system Response Feedback: Correct answer: Sepsis is an example of a systemic infection. Symptoms associated with a systemic type infection are fever, malaise/fatigue, increased respiration, anorexia, and lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes). Slide 2

•Alcohol-based vs. soap and water

The CDC states hands should be washed: -before, during and after preparing food, -before eating food, -before and after caring for someone who is sick, -before and after treating a cut or wound, -after using the toilet, -after changing diapers /cleaning up a child who has used the toilet, -after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; -after touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste, -after handling peg food / pet treats, - after touching garbage

PORTAL OF ENTRY:

The opening where an infectious disease enters the host's body -mucus membranes, -open wounds, - tubes inserted in body cavities like urinary catheters - feeding tubes. Break this step in the chain by: -using aseptic( 무균성의, 방부의) technique -proper wound care -urinary catheter care, -maintaining intact skin - mucous membranes.

RESERVOIR:

The place where the m.o. resides, thrives, and reproduces (i.e...food, water, toilet seat, elevator buttons, human feces, respiratory secretions). Ways to break the chain of infection here are: -environmental sanitation (change dressings when soiled or wet); disinfection or sanitation, and employee health.

PORTAL OF EXIT:

The place where the organism leaves the reservoir, -the respiratory tract (nose, mouth), -intestinal tract (rectum), -urinary tract/blood -other body fluids. Ways to break the chain of infection here is: -the use of hand hygiene, -trash and waste disposal -control of excretion and secretions.

The body is a wonderfully built masterpiece that provides numerous protections for us.

The skin and mucous membranes, which covers our entire body and forms the lining of our mouths, noses, is the primary defense in the realm of protection. The dryness of the skin is a deterrent to bacteria. Bacteria are most plentiful in areas that are moist such as the perineum and axillae. Resident bacteria on the skin also use of the available nutrients thus depriving any other bacteria from flourishing. Normal secretions make the skin a little acidic and thus inhibit bacterial growth. The nasal passages provide protection through the use of cilia and mucous membranes which trap microorganisms, dust and particles. The oral cavity sheds the epithelial lining along with the flow of saliva and its partial buffering action helps to prevent infection. The eye protects from infection by tears which help to wash away microorganisms. The GI protects through the acidity of the stomach along with peristalsis moving microbes out of the body. The vagina has natural defenses such as the vaginal pH (3.5-4.5) that inhibits microorganisms from growing. Urine flow aids in washing away microbes in addition to its bacteriostatic effect that keeps bacteria from ascending (going up) the urinary tract.

infectious agents.-Such microorganisms

The term colonization is often heard in the healthcare arena. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPlyQyHm7fA It indicates germs can be in or on the body but do not make the individual sick. Persons who are colonized will have no signs or symptoms. A prime example is MRSA where persons can have an active infection or be colonized.

These infections drive up the cost of healthcare in addition to potentially putting the patient at risk for further illness. Nurses have an integral part in prevention of HAIs.

Utilization of good consistent hand washing techniques -between patients -after using the bathroom -before performing any type of procedure on a patient, -after performance of a procedure) and adhering to sterile technique during procedures (such as insertion of a Foley catheter). Nurses are responsible for educating patients about infection control such as the use of hand washing before meals and after toileting or touching surfaces in the room. It is just as important for the nursing staff as the patients. -According to the CDC, over 4 million Americans are admitted to or reside in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities and nearly one million persons reside in assisted living facilities. Data about infections in LTCF are limited, but it has been estimated in the medical literature: -1-3 million infections occur every year in these facilities. Infections include: -UTI, diarrheal diseases, antibiotic-resistant staph infections and many others. Infections are a major cause of hospitalizations and death, as many as 380,000 people die of the infections in LTCF every year.

Isolation -•Compromised patients

When you think of compromised individuals, who comes to mind? -Maybe a patient with AIDS, those receiving treatment for cancer, on chronic use of steroids for conditions. - Individuals whose immune systems are compromised in some way and these individuals are at risk for infections. -Often time, placement of these individuals has been called reverse isolation-where they are protected from others. Who could others be? -Sick persons; => think about the nurse that comes to work with a fever or the child that may come to visit with a cough and runny nose. => These are people that you do not want to expose these individuals to. You also do not want someone coming with fresh flowers, raw meat and plants. These are all possible modes of infection transmission. It is important to educate the patient on the need for protection as well as those that may come to visit. **Please see the information in this module's folder for application and removal of PPE.**

An opportunistic pathogen causes disease only in a susceptible individual

When you think of opportunistic infections, what are some conditions that come to mind that set up the individual to developing an opportunistic infection?

How often have you heard "normal flora?"

You may have also heard it referred to as normal resident flora. What does "resident" mean to you? This implies it is found on the human body. The book defines it as the collective vegetation in a given area; it is present in one part of the body but can cause illness in another area. A good example of normal or resident flora is Escherichia coli (also known as E. coli). This flora normally resides in the large intestine but has been known to cause infections in other parts of the body such as the urinary tract. Are there any you can think of that have been hot topics in the recent past?

Cleansing agents are essential in hand washing.

You must use some form of soap to properly cleanse the hands; especially if the hands are visibly soiled. Soap helps to emulsify fat and oil and lowering surface tension. Anti-septic hand washing is washing the hands with soap and water or other detergents containing an antiseptic agent. Alcohol-based hand rubs are those solutions that contain alcohol that are designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable micro-organisms on the hands. According to the CDC such preparations MUST contain at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol alcohol. CDC has found that alcohol-based hand sanitizers work effectively. Some studies have shown that hand sanitizers with emollients caused substantially less irritation and dryness than plain or antimicrobial soaps.

Of the following, which could predispose the patient to being at risk for infection? (Select all that apply) a. Chronic use of Prednisone. b. Diabetes Mellitus. c. Chemotherapy treatment. d. Intake of a healthy diet. e. Immunocompromised individuals. f. A lifestyle that provides for adequate rest and exercise.

a. Chronic use of Prednisone(.Steroid It can treat many diseases and conditions, especially those associated with inflammation) b. Diabetes Mellitus. c. Chemotherapy treatment. e. Immunocompromised individuals.

Of the following, which could predispose the patient to being at risk for infection? (Select all that apply) a. Chronic use of Prednisone. b. Diabetes Mellitus. c. Chemotherapy treatment. d. Intake of a healthy diet. e. Immunocompromised individuals. f. A lifestyle that provides for adequate rest and exercise.

a. Chronic use of Prednisone. b. Diabetes Mellitus. c. Chemotherapy treatment. e. Immunocompromised individuals.

Of the following, what are the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation? (Select all that apply) a. Pain. b. Heat. c. Edema. d. Redness (erythema). e. Loss of function. f. Cool, pale colored area.

a. Pain. b. Heat. c. Edema. d. Redness (erythema). e. Loss of function. Response Feedback: The five cardinal( 가장 중요한) s/s of inflammation are: heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function.

Of the following, which would be appropriate measures to breaking the chain of infection in the host (patient)? (Select all that apply) a. Reduce susceptibility to infection. b.Provide adequate nutrition and rest. c.Prevent immunizations. d.Promote body defenses against infection.

a. Reduce susceptibility to infection. b.Provide adequate nutrition and rest. d.Promote body defenses against infection Response Feedback: Ways to break the chain of infection in the host (patient) is to reduce the susceptibility of the host, provide adequate nutrition and rest, promote body defenses against infection and provide immunization.

Thermometers (non-disposable)

are generally disinfected after each use. Disposable needles, syringes, and sharps all need to be placed in a puncture-resistant container (Sharp's Container).

•Isolation Precautions 2.Droplet precautions

are intended to prevent transmission of pathogens spread through close respiratory or mucous membrane contact with respiratory secretions. Large droplets do not remain suspended in the air and generally travel 3 feet or less through air deposited on host's mucosa of eyes, nose, or mouth. Patient must wear a mask if transported outside of the room. Some of these are: -rubella, -mumps, -streptococcal pharyngitis, -pneumonia, -scarlet fever in infants or small children, -pertussis, -meningococcal meningitis / sepsis, -pneumonic plague. The size of the organism is larger than 5 microns. The appropriate barrier protection for a patient in droplet precautions is a private room or cohort patient; - mask when closer than 3 feet from patient.

•Isolation Precautions 3.Contact precautions

are used to prevent transmission of microorganisms that are spread by direct / indirect contact with the patient's environment. Examples are: colonization / infection with multiple drug resistant organisms (such as MRSA or VRE), respiratory Synctial Virus, major wound infections, herpes simplexs cabies. The appropriate barrier protection is a private room or cohort patient, gloves and gowns. As with all of these, strict adherence to hand washing is also very important.

The nurse providing patient education for the patient placed in contact isolation evaluates understanding by which of the following statements? a. "You placed me in isolation to keep me away from the other really sick people." b. "The doctor thinks I am contagious?" c. "This is done to isolate the organism, not me." d. "This is obviously a form of punishment!"

c. "This is done to isolate the organism, not me." Response Feedback: Isolation is done to isolate the causative organism, not the individual.

Of the following, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection? a. Educating the patient and family about the spread of infection. b. Educating the patient's family about the disease process. c. Hand washing practices. d. Having some knowledge about how micro-organisms are spread.

c. Hand washing practices. Response Feedback: Hand washing is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection/illness.

Of the following, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection? a. Educating the patient and family about the spread of infection. b. Educating the patient's family about the disease process. c. Hand washing practices. d. Having some knowledge about how micro-organisms are spread.

c. Hand washing practices. Response Feedback: Hand washing is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of infection/illness.

The nurse caring for the patient in isolation recognizes which of the following as a possible risk for the patient? a. Sensory overload. b. Failure of the patient to adhere to medical asepsis. c. Sensory deprivation. d. Non-compliance with medication regimen.

c. Sensory deprivation. Response Feedback: For the patient in isolation there is a risk for sensory deprivation.

Of the following patients, which would the nurse identify as being at risk for development of HAI(Hospital Acquired Illness)? a. The 16yoa football player with a torn ligament. b. The 78 yoa patient with a history of severe depression and anxiety. c. The 28yoa patient currently receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. d. The 39yoa patient with diverticulitis.

c. The 28yoa patient currently receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Response Feedback:The patient currently receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer as the effects of chemotherapy can impair the function of the immune system.

The nurse caring for the patient with a large incision recognizes the importance of infection prevention due to which of the following rationale? a. The patient will have impaired body image due to the incision. b. The patient is at risk for impaired nutrition. c. There is a break in the body's primary defense. d. There patient will have a knowledge deficit.

c. There is a break in the body's primary defense. Correct answer: A break in the skin integrity presents a break in the primary defense of the body. This primary defense can predispose the patient to an increased risk for infection.

Of the following intervention, which would be most effective in preventing a CAUTI (Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection)? Selected Answer: a. Effective hand washing prior to the procedure. b. Encouraging increased fluid intake in the patient with an indwelling catheter. c. Adhering to sterile technique in the insertion of the catheter. d. Educating the patient on self catheter care. Response Feedback:

c. Adhering to sterile technique in the insertion of the catheter. Correct answer: Adhering to sterile technique during procedures (such as insertion of a Foley catheter).

The nurse preparing to perform a sterile procedure notices the packaging appear to have a small hole. The nurse's best action will be? a. Use the package because it cost more money to replace it. b. Consult with the charge nurse (RN) on what to do with the package. c. Notify the physician of the hole in the package. d. Discard of that package and obtain a new package.

d. Discard of that package and obtain a new package. Response Feedback: The nurse's best action will be to discard of the package and obtain a new one.

Blood pressure

equipment needs no special precautions unless it is contaminated with infectious material. If this happens, the textbook advises to consult facility protocol for instructions. Some agencies now utilize disposal individual cuffs for patients.

Septicemia or sepsis (a condition in which acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection) as it is widely known for laypersons

has been gaining more notoriety in the last two to three years due in part to several different occurrences such as -deaths of famous persons, -deaths from the flu virus, -deaths of young persons who were not immunocompromised.

The purpose of isolation

is NOT to isolate the individual but to isolate the pathogen! Body substances such as feces, urine, sputum, blood, and wound drainage may contain potentially infectious microorganisms.

A communicable disease

is one that can be transmitted to an individual by direct or indirect contact or as an airborne infection.

Nursing considerations for the patient in isolation

is the importance of patient/family teaching. Patients want to know why are people coming into my room with a gown and gloves on? Or a mask on. The family will want to understand what is going on and why the use of gowns and gloves are being used. Educating the family will also prevent the spread of microorganisms to other family members.

Linen

should be handled as little as possible with minimal agitation in order to prevent microbial contamination of the air and the person handling the linen. Ensure the bag is closed prior to sending to laundry. Dishes require no special precautions. Soiling of dishes can be prevented by encouraging patients to clean their hands prior to eating.

bacteria

the condition, When a culture of someone's blood reveals microorganisms