Understanding Nosocomial Infections
Nosocomial infections are infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting. These infectious diseases are contracted by patients or medical staff *after* admission, meaning they were not present or incubating at the time of admission.
Epidemiological Chain
- Source: Primarily people (patients, staff, visitors), often asymptomatic carriers, and opportunistic organisms.
- Transmission Mechanisms:
- Direct: Via the hands of healthcare staff.
- Indirect: Through contaminated materials.
- Air: Droplets of saliva
Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiology, Risks & Prevention
Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease
In the United States, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and heart failure, has steadily declined over the past decade—33% from 1999 to 2009—likely as a result of better prevention and acute care efforts. Nonetheless, CVD is the leading killer of both men and women. Although CVD mortality is decreasing, CVD prevalence is increasing. According to
Read MoreAsbestos Exposure: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Asbestos Poisoning
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a group of six fibrous minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.
Utility of Asbestos
Asbestos was used in building materials and vehicle brakes due to its heat and corrosion resistance.
Permissible Exposure Limit
Asbestos exposure should not exceed 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter (f/cc) of air averaged over an eight-hour shift.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Health risks depend on:
- The amount of airborne
Key Vocabulary Terms: A Comprehensive List
Essential Vocabulary: Definitions and Examples
Alarm: A sudden feeling of fear or worry.
Applicant: A person who makes a formal request for something.
Application: A formal written request, especially for a job or a place in a school or club.
Aptitude: A natural ability or skill.
Concern: A feeling of worry.
Countryside: The land away from towns and cities, where there are fields and woods.
Eavesdropper: Someone who secretly listens to what other people are saying.
E-book: An electronic book or novel.
Enquiry:
Read MoreExploring Healthcare Careers: Benefits and Insights
Healthcare Careers: Questions and Answers
1. Answer the questions:
a) What is special about careers in health?
R: They represent a vocation and are ideal for people who want to help others.
b) What do you need to succeed in this field?
R: Teamwork, outstanding skills, and being a good team member.
c) Are people grateful to healthcare workers?
R: Yes, patients and their families are usually very grateful.
d) Is it boring to work in the health sector? Why or why not?
R: No, because every day is different and
Read MoreVocabulary Enhancement: Key Terms and Phrases
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
Avoid: To stay away from someone or something. Example: “I try to avoid supermarkets on Saturdays; they are always so busy.”
Stark: Empty, simple, or obvious. Example: “It was a stark room with a bed and chair as the only furniture.”
Clot: To form clots. Example: “He was rushed to the hospital because his blood wasn’t clotting properly.”
Catwalk: The long, narrow stage that models walk along in a fashion show.
Featuring: To include someone or something as an important