Final answer:
To reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings, it is important to wear PPE, practice proper hand hygiene, use isolation precautions when necessary, and maintain a clean environment. Additional measures include public health education, vaccinations, and following post-exposure protocols in case of contact with infectious agents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reducing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings
To reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents from patient to provider and vice versa, several measures can be adopted:
- Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection when necessary to create a barrier against infectious agents.
- Practicing proper hand hygiene is critical. This includes washing hands with soap and water, especially after contact with patients or infectious material, and using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Implementing isolation precautions when necessary to prevent the spread of infection from certain patients, like in the case of Marisa who was isolated to prevent her infection from spreading.
- Maintaining a clean and sanitized environment by regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment, following protocols diligently to prevent surface and equipment contamination.
Special attention should be paid to procedures involving exposure to blood or bodily fluids, which may require additional precautions such as face protection and the use of disposable syringes and needles. In the case of an exposure, post-exposure protocols including HBIG and vaccination may be necessary.
To reinforce these measures, public health education and vaccinations are also key in reducing the risk of spread of infectious diseases.