Infection Control Measures to Know for Adult Nursing Care

Infection control measures are essential in adult nursing care to protect both patients and healthcare workers. These practices, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and proper waste management, help prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe healthcare environment.

1. Hand hygiene

   • Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact.
   • Perform hand hygiene after touching potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment.
   • Ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers and under nails.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

   • Use appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, gowns, goggles) based on the level of exposure risk.
   • Ensure proper fit and functionality of PPE to provide adequate protection.
   • Dispose of or clean PPE according to established protocols after use.

3. Proper handling and disposal of sharps

   • Use puncture-resistant containers for the disposal of needles and other sharp objects.
   • Never recap needles or manipulate sharps by hand to prevent injuries.
   • Follow facility protocols for the safe handling and disposal of sharps to minimize risk of exposure.

4. Isolation precautions

   • Implement standard precautions for all patients, and additional transmission-based precautions as needed (contact, droplet, airborne).
   • Clearly label isolation rooms and provide necessary signage to inform staff and visitors.
   • Educate patients and families about the importance of isolation measures to prevent the spread of infection.

5. Aseptic technique

   • Maintain a sterile field during procedures to prevent contamination.
   • Use sterile instruments and supplies, and ensure proper hand hygiene before and during procedures.
   • Minimize traffic in and out of the sterile area to reduce the risk of infection.

6. Sterilization and disinfection of equipment

   • Use appropriate methods (autoclaving, chemical disinfectants) to sterilize reusable medical equipment.
   • Follow manufacturer guidelines for disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
   • Regularly monitor and validate sterilization processes to ensure effectiveness.

7. Proper waste management

   • Segregate waste into appropriate categories (biohazard, recyclable, general waste) to ensure safe disposal.
   • Follow local regulations and facility policies for the disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
   • Train staff on proper waste handling procedures to minimize risk of exposure.

8. Environmental cleaning

   • Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in patient care areas to reduce pathogen transmission.
   • Use EPA-approved disinfectants and follow recommended contact times for effectiveness.
   • Implement a routine cleaning schedule to ensure consistent maintenance of a safe environment.

9. Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

   • Encourage patients and visitors to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
   • Provide masks for symptomatic patients to reduce the spread of respiratory pathogens.
   • Promote hand hygiene after coughing, sneezing, or touching the face to prevent infection transmission.

10. Immunization of healthcare workers

    • Ensure healthcare workers are up-to-date on vaccinations (e.g., influenza, hepatitis B, MMR) to protect themselves and patients.
    • Monitor vaccination status and provide education on the importance of immunization.
    • Implement policies that require vaccination or exemption documentation to maintain a safe healthcare environment.