|
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
If you have a disease or a potential diagnosis of a disease that requires special precautions, your room will have a sign identifying the precautions so everyone may follow the guideline, including using the correct housekeeping cleaning procedures. Should you or your family have any questions please contact your nurse.
Standard Precautions
These are performed for all patients and protect healthcare workers from spreading infection from a patient's blood and other body fluids. These precautions include the use of gloves, gowns, goggles, etc. to act as a barrier. This protects against diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS. Hand washing or the use of hand gels to keep hands clean is the most important aspect of infection control.
Contact Precautions
These precautions are to prevent the spread of infections from direct or indirect contact with patients or the immediate patient-care environment. These precautions include limiting patient movement in the nursing unit; wearing gowns and gloves before entering the patient room; removing the gown and gloves inside the patient's room; and hand washing immediately after leaving the patient room. This protects against diseases such as C. difficile, MRSA and shigellosis.
Droplet Precautions
These precautions are for infections spread by large droplets generated by coughs, sneezes, etc. These precautions include staff wearing a face shield or goggles and a surgical mask when within 3-6 feet of the patient. Patient may be asked to wear a mask when transported for procedures like x-rays. This protects against disease such as whooping cough, bacterial meningitis and influenza.
Airborne Precautions
These precautions are for infections spread by particles that remain suspended in the air. A patient will be placed in a single room with special air flow. Staff will wear special masks and patient will wear surgical masks when leaving their room for procedures. This protects against disease such as TB, chicken pox and measles.
 |
|
