¶ … Infection Control
Question 1; Describe different types of infection control precautions. Why is it important to follow infection control guidelines? Describe the importance of hand washing.
Infection control requires strategies that will prevent the movement of potential infections from one source to a new source. Different types of infection control precautions may be undertaken. The primary approaches include hand hygiene, including washing, as well as the use of alcohol gel, the process that will prevent the transfer of infection by eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses (CDC, 2011). Infection control also requires attention patients to be minimised through the cleaning and sterilisation of any equipment and resources that come into contact with patients, for example scissors. The cleaning of equipment also applies to the general cleaning of the healthcare environment, to avoid potential buildup of dust which may harbour harmful microbes, as well as sterilisation specialised equipment, such as respiratory equipment, surgical equipment and theatre environments (CDC, 2011).
Barriers may also be used as infection control precautions, this may include the use of personal protective equipment, from simple facemasks and gloves, through to goggles and face shields, as well as fully enclosed biohazard suits which can protect susceptible...
2001).
The precautions for the different types of infection control should not only be in terms of the content, but also the procedures needed for implementing their use, so it is undertaken in a consistent universal manner, reducing the potential for deviation from best practice. This will also include effective role allocation and communication to ensure full understanding, as well as monitoring for compliance. Therefore, infection control precautions include not only the physical requirements associated with preventing contact between susceptible individuals potential sources that, in writing, by use of a barrier, but also the procedures and processes that control and monitor those processes.
2. Why is it important to use proper body mechanics when turning a patient?
Body mechanics refers to the way in which individuals move during normal daily activities, undertaking effective body mechanics, such as bending knees and hips rather than waste, standing with feet slightly apart, and keeping backs straight, can help to avoid harm or injury (anonymous, 2015). When turning a patient, the utilisation of proper body mechanics provides a number of benefits, as well as helping to protect the…
