This paper addresses three foundational nursing practice topics. First, it describes major types of infection control precautions — including hand hygiene, equipment sterilization, environmental cleaning, and the use of personal protective equipment — and explains why following infection control guidelines is essential for patient and staff safety. Second, it examines why proper body mechanics are critical when turning a patient, emphasizing the dual goal of protecting both the nurse and the patient. Third, it outlines the specific personal protective equipment a nurse must wear when providing direct care to a patient on contact precautions, including gowns, facemasks, and disposable gloves.
Infection control requires strategies that prevent the transmission of potential infections from one source to another. Several types of infection control precautions may be undertaken. The primary approaches include hand hygiene — including handwashing and the use of alcohol-based gel — which prevents the transfer of infection by eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses (CDC, 2011). Infection control also requires that exposure risks to patients be minimized through the cleaning and sterilization of any equipment and resources that come into contact with patients, such as scissors. This cleaning requirement extends to the general healthcare environment, to prevent the buildup of dust that may harbor harmful microbes, as well as the sterilization of specialized equipment such as respiratory equipment, surgical instruments, and theatre environments (CDC, 2011).
Barriers may also be used as infection control precautions. These include personal protective equipment (PPE), ranging from simple facemasks and gloves to goggles, face shields, and fully enclosed biohazard suits. Such barriers can protect susceptible patients in highly contagious situations and also protect staff by creating a physical barrier between the contagion and the susceptible individual (Waeckerle et al., 2001).
Infection control precautions should address not only the physical measures involved, but also the procedures required for implementing those measures consistently and universally. This includes effective role allocation and communication to ensure full understanding, as well as monitoring for compliance. Infection control precautions therefore encompass both the physical requirements — preventing contact between susceptible individuals and potential sources of infection, whether through removal or the use of a barrier — and the procedures and processes that govern and monitor those measures.
Hand hygiene is among the most important and widely emphasized infection control measures. Proper handwashing involves using soap and water to remove dirt, organic matter, and transient microorganisms from the hands. The use of alcohol-based hand gel offers a rapid alternative when hands are not visibly soiled. Both methods significantly reduce the risk of transferring pathogens between patients, staff, and the environment. Following standardized hand hygiene procedures before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces is critical to maintaining a safe clinical environment (CDC, 2011).
Body mechanics refers to the way in which individuals move during normal daily activities. Effective body mechanics — such as bending at the knees and hips rather than the waist, standing with feet slightly apart, and keeping the back straight — can help to avoid harm or injury (Anonymous, 2015). When turning a patient, the use of proper body mechanics provides a number of benefits. In addition to protecting the individual performing the maneuver, it maximizes the safety of the procedure for the patient being turned. The properties of proper body mechanics should therefore be employed to safeguard the health and safety of both patient and nurse.
For example, a nurse turning a patient is less likely to slip and release the patient if they are firmly standing with feet apart, and can bear the patient's weight more stably with a straight back. Likewise, the nurse is less likely to suffer a muscular strain. Notably, proper body mechanics should also be employed in conjunction with standard safety procedures for patient turning, which may require more than one member of staff depending on the patient's size and condition.
"Specific PPE items required for contact precaution care"
"Cited sources and clinical guidelines"
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