1 of 24

Precautions to Prevent Spread of Infection

Unit 4 Lesson 3

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

2 of 24

COPYRIGHT

NI Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

3 of 24

Define Standard Precautions
Describe hand hygiene, protocols, and methods
Include safety precautions and common errors
Describe disinfection and sterilization
Describe the types of transmission precautions, including signage

Student Learning Outcomes

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

4 of 24

Standard Precautions

Universal practices to prevent infection transmission
Assumes all bodily fluids may contain infectious agents
Key Components

Hand Hygiene

Fundamental practice for infection control

PPE Usage

Gloves
Masks
Gowns
Eyewear for protection

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

5 of 24

Standard Precautions continued…

Respiratory Hygiene

Cough etiquette and mask usage

Environmental Cleaning

Regular sanitization of equipment and surfaces

Safe Laundry Handling

Minimizing agitation to prevent contamination

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

6 of 24

Hand Hygiene Protocols

Primary method to break infection chain
Reduces risk of healthcare-associated infections
Techniques

Handwashing

Soap and water for visible soiling

Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)

Quick alternative when hands are not visibly dirty

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

7 of 24

Hand Hygiene Protocols continued…

When to Perform

Before/after client contact
After exposure to body fluids
Before aseptic tasks, after glove removal

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

8 of 24

Moments of Hand Hygiene

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

9 of 24

Critical Thinking Question

The nurse’s aide working in a long-term care facility notices a colleague entering a client’s room without performing hand hygiene. The client has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection.

What should the nurse’s aide do in this situation, and why is hand hygiene important before entering the client’s room?

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

10 of 24

Handwashing with Soap and Water

Procedure

Wet hands
Apply soap
Lather
Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including under the nails

At least 20 seconds

Rinse thoroughly, dry with a clean towel (paper napkins/towels)
Use towel to turn off tap

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

11 of 24

Handwashing with Soap and Water continued…

When Required

Visibly dirty hands
Exposure to certain pathogens
Example: Norovirus

Common Errors

Insufficient soap use
Incomplete scrubbing

Missed areas like nails, wrists

Not drying hands properly

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

12 of 24

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

13 of 24

Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR)

Effective against most microorganisms
Quick and easy access at point of care
Procedure

Apply sufficient product
Rub hands covering all surfaces until dry

Usage Guidelines

Not for visibly soiled hands or certain infections
Example: C. difficile

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

14 of 24

Alcohol-Based Hand Rub (ABHR) continued…

Common Errors

Not allowing hands to air dry
Inadequate rubbing time or product application

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

15 of 24

Critical Thinking Question

In which of the following situations is handwashing with soap and water preferred over using an alcohol-based hand rub?

A) Before administering medication to a client

B) When hands are not visibly soiled

C) After removing gloves used during care

D) After contact with a client with C. difficile infection

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

16 of 24

Safety Precautions and Common Errors

Safety Tips

Use soap and water for visible contaminants
Avoid mixing ABHR with soap to prevent skin irritation

Common Mistakes

Insufficient rubbing time
Missing critical hand areas like thumbs and fingertips
Shaking hands to dry

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

17 of 24

Critical Thinking Question

The nurse’s aide is assisting a client who has just been diagnosed with norovirus. The client is experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.

What precautions should the nurse’s aide take when entering the client’s room, and why is choosing the correct type of hand hygiene important in this scenario?

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

18 of 24

Disinfection and Sterilization

Disinfection

Reduces microorganisms on surfaces
Includes chemical and physical methods

Sterilization

Complete elimination of all forms of microbial life
Methods

Steam
Dry heat
Radiation
Chemicals

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

19 of 24

Disinfection and Sterilization continued…

Aseptic Techniques

Medical asepsis

Routine prevention of microorganism transfer

Surgical asepsis

Required for invasive procedures

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

20 of 24

Transmission-Based Precautions

21 of 24

Transmission-Based Precautions continued…

Signage

Clear instructions outside client rooms
HIPAA-compliant to protect client information
PPE carts available near infected client rooms

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

22 of 24

Critical Thinking Question

A client diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is admitted to a facility. Which of the following precautions should the nurse’s aide take to prevent the airborne transmission of TB?

A) Wear a surgical mask and gloves

B) Use a respirator and place the client in a private room with specific air handling

C) Use a face shield when providing care

D) Maintain a distance of at least six feet without additional protective equipment

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

23 of 24

References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

24 of 24

Please go to

My Learning Experience

to provide feedback on your experience.

Thank you, and come back soon!

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org