Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
Also known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome, It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus HIV and suppresses the immune system. An individual with this cannot fight off many Cancers and infections that would not affect a healthy person, there is no cure or vaccine. - pg. 410
AIDS
A piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies during sterilization. It is the most efficient method of sterilizing most articles, and it will destroy all microorganisms, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, including spores and viruses. - pg. 427
Autoclave
Is the appropriate term. A few chemicals will kill spores and viruses, but these chemicals frequently require that instruments be submerged in the chemical for 10 or more hours. It is essential to read the entire label to determine the effectiveness of a product before using any chemical - pg. 433
chemical disinfection
Is the process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms. It is not always effective against spores and viruses. These can irritate or damage the skin and are used mainly on objects, not people - pg. 412
Disinfection
Refers to/ means The infection or disease originates outside the body. Examples include pathogenic organisms that invade the body, radiation, chemical agents, trauma, electric shock, and temperature extremes. - pg. 410
Exogenous
Microorganisms (or just organisms) that require oxygen to live - pg. 406
Aerobic
These are simple, one celled organisms that multiply rapidly. They are classified by shape and arrangement. - pg. 406
Bacteria
Means that objects are parts of objects that do not contain disease producing organisms and therefore have minimal chances spreading the disease. Every effort must be made to prevent contamination of these objects or parts of objects - pg.450
Clean
prevent the spread of large-particle respiratory pathogens (e.g., influenza, pertussis) transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or spitting - pg. 449
droplet precautions
A common Reservoir, or objects contaminated with infectious material that contains the pathogens. Common of these Include door knobs, bed pans, urinals, linens, instruments, and specimen containers. - pg. 411
Fomites
These are used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by Airborne droplet nuclei. These are small particles of evaporated droplets that contain microorganisms and remain suspended in the air or on dust particles - pg. 450
airborne precautions
Is the use of microorganisms, or biologic agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants. Throughout history, microorganisms have been used in biologic warfare. - pg. 413
Bioterrorism
A type of disease is caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others . - pg. 449
communicable disease
A type of filovirus, first affected primates and then spread to humans. These viruses cause hemorrhagic fever, a disease that begins with flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, headache, myalgia, and a skin rash. A major epidemic of this occurred in 2014. - pg. 409
Ebola
These are simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter. Yeasts and molds are two common forms that can be pathogenic. They cause diseases such as ringworm, athlete's foot, histoplasmosis, yeast vaginitis, and thrush. Antibiotics do not kill this. - pg. 408
Fungi
Microorganisms (or organisms) that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen - pg. 406
Anaerobic
When the bubbles strike the items being cleaned, they explode, this process is known as that, part of ultrasonic cleaning. It drives the cleaning solution onto the article - pg. 435
Cavitation
These must be followed for any patients known or suspected to be infected with epidemiological (capable of spreading rapidly from person to person, and epidemic) microorganisms that can be transmitted by either direct or indirect contact - pg. 453
contract precautions
Refers to/means the infection or disease originates within the body. These include metabolic disorders, congenital abnormalities, tumors, and infections caused by microorganisms within the body - pg. 410
Endogenous
Formally referred to as nosocomial or hospital acquired is an infection acquired by an individual and a healthcare facility such as a hospital or long-term care facility. Healthcare-associated infections are usually present in the facility and transmitted by Healthcare team members to the patient. - pg. 410
health care-associated
A major way to break the chain of Infection is to use these types of techniques while providing Healthcare. This is defined as the absence of disease producing microorganisms, or pathogens - pg. 412
Asepsis
Disease to occur and spread from one individual to another, certain conditions must be met. These conditions are commonly called this. The parts of the chain include infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host - pg. 411-412
chain of infection
Means that organisms and pathogens are present. any object or area that may contain pathogens is considered to be this. Aseptic techniques are directed toward maintaining cleanliness and eliminating or preventing this (handwashing, personal hygiene, etc.) - pg. 412
Contaminated
This occurs when the communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time - pg. 449
Epidemic
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes. They are transmitted to humans when humans ingest the eggs or larvae and contaminated food, and just meet contaminated worms, or get bitten by infected insects. - pg. 410
Helminths