Infection Control in Nursing
Infection prevention and control is a critical aspect of nursing practice. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) affect thousands of patients each year and can be prevented through proper infection control practices.
Standard Precautions
Standard precautions are the basic infection control measures that apply to all patients, regardless of their infection status:
- Hand hygiene
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe handling and disposal of sharps
- Safe management of clinical waste
- Environmental cleaning and decontamination
- Safe handling of linen
- Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent HCAIs. The WHO's "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene" are:
- Before patient contact
- Before a clean/aseptic procedure
- After body fluid exposure risk
- After patient contact
- After contact with patient surroundings
Hand washing with soap and water should take 40-60 seconds. Alcohol-based hand rub can be used when hands are not visibly soiled.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Correct order for putting on (donning) PPE: apron, mask, eye protection, gloves.
Correct order for removing (doffing) PPE: gloves, apron, eye protection, mask.
PPE should be changed between patients and disposed of as clinical waste.
Aseptic Technique
Aseptic technique is used during invasive procedures to prevent infection. It involves:
- Creating a sterile field
- Using sterile gloves and equipment
- Cleaning the skin with antiseptic
- Minimising the risk of contamination
Sharps Safety
Needlestick injuries can transmit blood-borne viruses. After a sharps injury: encourage bleeding, wash thoroughly with soap and water, cover with waterproof dressing, and seek immediate medical advice. Used sharps must be disposed of immediately into designated sharps containers.
Common Healthcare-Associated Infections
- MRSA — Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- C. difficile — Causes diarrhoea, spread by spores (alcohol gel does not kill spores)
- Norovirus — Highly contagious vomiting and diarrhoea
- E. coli — Can cause urinary tract infections and sepsis
- COVID-19 — Respiratory virus requiring transmission-based precautions