English for Nurses

Lesson 16: Infections
discharge
droplets
faeces
hand cleanser

infection control

 MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

pathogen
secretions
transmit
urine
wound

 

Medical terminology: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The term  staphylococcus aureus ( known by its everyday term ‘golden staph’) comes from:

(Greek)   staphylo- bunch of grapes + coccus    granule +  (Latin)   aureus    golden  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         Photo: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Staphylococcus_aureus_VISA_2.jpg



The picture above has been stained purple but the microbes would have looked yellow or golden  before the staining. Do you think the clusters of microbes may have looked like a bunch of grapes?     

 

Activity 1: Do you know what these terms mean? Match the terms on the left with their correct meanings on the right.

1. discharge                             a  send across
2. droplet                                  b  waste liquid from the bladder
3. faeces                                    c  secretion or liquid that comes out of a wound
4. infection control                 d  something which carries an infection

5. pathogen                              e  waste product that comes out of the intestines
6. transmit                                f   small drop of liquid
7. urine                                      g   which reduce infection rates
8. wound                                   h  a sore or injury to the ski

 

Read the text and look at the diagram below.

How do patients get infections?

Patients do not get infections because pathogens are found on their skin. A pathogen is something which causes an infection. Some bacteria are always found on the skin at all times and do not cause any problems.
 

If the ‘Infection Cycle’ is present, however, the bacteria can be dangerous. An infectious agent which can enter the body through a break in the skin can result in an infection. Pathogens may be carried on the hands and transmitted or passed from one person to another.

Pathogens or ‘bugs’ may enter the body through a break in the skin e.g. after surgery or in a wound. They may exit or leave the body through body fluids e.g. urine or faeces or through discharges from wounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity 2: Answer the questions. True or false?

1  The skin has pathogens on it which do not usually cause problems. T/F

2  Pathogens can get into the body through a break in the skin. T/F

3  One of the main ways that pathogens are transmitted is on the hands. T/F

4   Pathogens stay in the body and cause infections. T/F

Activity 3:   Look at the pictures below and label them.

       face mask                    tissues                       soiled dressing                      apron 
     
    drain                           sterile  gloves              hand washing                       urinal 

                               

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity 4: Write the letters a – h in the correct sections.

a)  wear gloves when you remove a dressing
b)  wear a face mask            
c)  wear an apron and gloves before you take away a bedpan or a urinal      
d)  wear an apron and gloves when you take out a drain

e)  wash your hands after any contact with a patient      
f)  wash your hands after you use the toilet  

g) cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze                          
h) throw away tissues after you blow your nose

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the video on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRY0VyUkYV8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activity 5: Put the notes in order.

clean backs of hands
rinse hands in water
hand cleanser
dry hands 15 secs
wet hands
rub both thumbs
rub palms together

 

Activity 6: Complete the dialogue. Watch the video to check your answers. Homework: Make a video of the dialogue.

Nurse: You need to (1) ___________ your hands very well before you change your dressing at home. I’m going to show you how to do it properly now.

Patient: But I know how to wash my hands already!

Nurse: I know but you have to wash your hands more carefully than a normal hand wash. Not just a quick (2) _______________ like before you eat or after you visit the toilet.

Patient: OK. I understand.

Nurse: First, (3) ____________ your hands.

Patient: All right. I should have wet hands.

Nurse: Then put some soap or (4) _______________ on your hands. Rub the palms of your hands together. Like this.

Patient: Rub my palms together. OK.

Nurse: Now clean the (5) _______________ of your hands. Like this.

Patient: OK.

Nurse: Then, rub around your (6) ________________ to make sure they are clean. Rinse your hands with water.

Patient: And that’s it?

Nurse: Not quite. Drying your hands is just as important as washing them. (7) ___________ your hands for at least 15 seconds. It’s important to use a (8) _______________ paper towel.