Angelite Nurses

is an invasion of the body by pathogenic organisms that multiply and produce injurious effects. Communicable disease is an infectious disease that may be transmitted from one person to another.

Chain of Events

1. Causative agent: invading organism (e.g., bacteria, virus)
2. Reservoir: environment in which the invading organism lives and multiplies
3. Portal of exit: mode of escape from reservoir (e.g., respiratory tract, GI tract)
4. Mode of transmission: method by which invading organism is transported to new host (e.g., direct contact, air, food)
5. Portal of entry: means by which organism enters new host (e.g., respiratory tract, broken skin)
6. Susceptible host: susceptibility determined by factors such as number of invading organisms, duration of exposure, age, state of health, nutritional status.

Nursing Responsibilities in Prevention of Spread of Infection

1. Maintain an environment that is clean, dry, and well ventilated.
2. Use proper handwashing before and after client contact and after contact with contaminated material.
3. Disinfect and handle wastes and contaminated materials properly.
4. Prevent transmission of infectious droplets.
1. Teach clients to cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
2. Place contaminated tissues and articles in paper bag before disposing.
5. Institute proper isolation techniques as required by specific disease
6. Use surgical aseptic technique when appropriate: caring for open wounds, irrigating, or entering sterile cavities.
7. Practice universal precautions when caring for all clients regardless of their diagnosis in order to minimize contact with blood and body fluids and prevent the transmission of specific infections such as hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
1. Hands must always be washed before and after contact with clients even when gloves have been used.
2. If hands come in contact with blood, body fluids, or human tissue they should be immediately washed with soap and water.
3. Gloves should be worn before touching blood or body fluids, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin.
4. Gloves should be changed between each client contact and as soon as possible if torn.
5. Wear masks and protective eyewear during procedures that are likely to generate splashes of blood or other body fluids.
6. Wear gowns during procedures that are likely to generate splashes of blood or other body fluids and when cleaning spills from incontinent clients or changing soiled linen.
7. Disposable masks should be used when performing CPR.
8. Dispose of used needles properly. They should be promptly placed in a puncture-resistant container. They should not be recapped, bent, broken, or removed from syringes.