Factors Increasing Susceptibility to Infection

 age
 heredity
 level of stress
 nutritional status
 current medical therapy
 preexisting disease process

Preventing Nosocomial Infections

 proper hand hygiene techniques
 environmental controls
 sterile technique
 identification of clients at risk for infections

HAND HYGIENE
 One of the most effective infection control measures.
 It is important that the nurses’ and the clients’ hand be cleansed at the
following times to prevent the spread of microorganisms: before eating, after
eating, after using the bedpan or toilet, and after the hands have come in
contact with any body substances, such as sputum or drainage from a wound,
before and after giving care.
 WHO recommends hand washing under a steam of water for at least 20
seconds using plain granule soap, soap-filled sheets, or liquid soap when
hands are visibly soiled, after using the restroom, after removing the gloves,
before handling invasive devices and after contact with medical equipment or
furniture.
 May use alcohol-based antiseptic hand rubs (rinses, gels, or foams) as
recommended by CDC

Proper application of alcohol-based products

 Apply a palmful of the product to a cupped hand.
 Rub palm against palms
 Interlace fingers palm to palm
 Rub palms to back of hands
 Rub each finger individually on all sides with the other hand
 Continue until product is dry – about 20-30 seconds

The CDC recommends antimicrobial hand cleansing agents in the following situations:
 where there are known multiple resistant bacteria
 before invasive procedures
 In special care units, such as nurseries and ICUs
 Before caring severely immunocompromised patient

HAND WASHING
Purposes
● To reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands
● To reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms to clients
● To reduce the risk of cross-contamination among clients
● To reduce the risk of transmission of infectious organisms to oneserf