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Chapter Overview
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This chapter expands on the OSHA Blood-Borne Pathogen Standard and explains how you should reduce your risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. You will learn about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections; about reporting guidelines; and about educating patients on minimizing the risk of transmission. You will also be introduced to issues associated with terminal illnesses such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Outline

  • Transmission of Blood-Borne Pathogens
  • Universal Precautions
  • Disease Profiles
  • AIDS Patients
  • Other Blood-Borne Infections
  • Reporting Guidelines
  • Patient Education
  • Special Issues With Terminal Illness

Learning Outcomes

After completing Chapter 21, you will be able to:

 21.1 Describe ways in which blood-borne pathogens can be transmitted.
 21.2 Explain why strict adherence to Universal Precautions is essential in preventing the spread of infection.
 21.3 Describe the symptoms of hepatitis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
 21.4 List and describe the blood tests used to diagnose human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
 21.5 Identify chronic disorders often found in patients who have AIDS.
 21.6 Compare and contrast drugs used to treat AIDS/HIV infection.
 21.7 Describe the symptoms of infection by other common blood-borne pathogens.
 21.8 Describe the steps involved in reporting a communicable disease.
 21.9 Explain how to educate patients about minimizing the risks of transmitting blood-borne infections to others.
 21.10 Describe special issues you may encounter when dealing with patients who have terminal illnesses.

Summary

Infectious diseases are transmitted in many different ways. Medical and surgical asepsis and various techniques and procedures for sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing instruments, equipment, and surfaces all help prevent disease transmission. Specific transmission methods dictate which approaches work best for which diseases. The focus of this chapter has been blood-borne transmission. The transmission of blood-borne pathogens is a particular concern for medical assistants as well as for people in many other professions. The pathogens that pose the greatest risk are HIV, HBV, and HCV. Infection with these pathogens can result in death or chronic disease. Your role as a medical assistant is to help prevent the spread of such infectious diseases. The preventive measures you will take at work include following Universal Precautions, watching patients for signs of infectious diseases, and educating patients about the risk factors associated with blood-borne diseases. Information about infectious diseases changes constantly. You can best serve your patients and your employer if you keep up-to-date on research, advances in treatment, and general information. Your efforts with patient education may include information about preventive measures, drug trials, follow-up care, and hospices for terminally ill patients.





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