INFECTION
CONTROL IN ICU
Jonathan Peter
Nursing Educator
SINAHS
WHAT IS INFECTION
The Invasion and growth of germs in the body.
The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi or other
microorganisms.
Types
Viral Infection e.g corona virus.
Bacterial infection e.g TB, Cholera etc.
Fungal Infection e.g Candidiasis, Dandruff etc.
PATHOGENESIS OF
INFECTION
It refers to the sequence of events during the course of an
infection within the host.
It includes
Entry of the pathogen into the body,
Multiplication and spread,
Development of tissue damage,
Production of an immune response.
WAYS OF TRAMSMISSION
Infection can be transmitted in many ways like;
From patient to patient,
From Patient to staff member,
From staff member to patient,
From staff member to staff member.
INFECTIONS IN INTENSIVE
CARE UNIT
ICU consist of 10% of total beds.
More than 20% of Nosocomial(HAI) Infections are acquired in
ICUs.
ICU-acquired infections accounts for substantial morbidity,
mortality and expense.
Improving infection prevention and control act as catalyst for
improvement in rest of the hospital.
FACTORS INCREASING
RISK OF INFECTION IN
ICU’S
Compared to general patients,
1) ICU patients have more chronic co-morbidities and severe
physiologic derangements.
2) The high frequency use of catheters provide portal of germs
entry into the bloodstream.
3) Multidrug-resistant pathogens e.g MRSA &VRE
Measures For Controlling Infections
in intensive care units
Infection control is based on
Standard Precautions,
Additional Precautions.
> Standard Precautions;
1) Hand Washing
2) PPEs
3) Sterilization, Decontamination, Cleaning.
4) Waste disposal.
HAND HYGIENE
STANDARD
PRECAUTIONS
Standard Precautions can be applied on,
Blood,
All fluids,
Non intact skin,
Mucus And Other Secretions EXCEPT SWEAT, TEARS
Additional Precautions;
Airborne precautions.
Droplet precautions.
Contact precautions.
Common example is covid SOPs
PROPER DISPOSAL OF WASTES
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Maintain strict asepsis for dressing changes, wound care, intravenous
therapy and handling.
Ensure that any article used are properly disinfected or sterilized before
use.
5 moments of hygiene which is explained earlier.
Educate clients and Significant others about appropriate cleaning,
disinfecting and sterilizing items.
Encourage intake of protein-rich and calorie-rich food and Encourage a
balanced diet.
Perform measure to break the chain of infection And Prevent Infection.
Instruct the Patient not to share personal care items. E.g toothbrush, towel
etc.
Promote nail care by keeping the patient and the nurse’s fingernails short
and clean..
Limit Visitors. Only one attendant in 3-4 hours.
