Ch. 15 Infection Control
is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses the immune system (Page 410)
AIDS
The most common piece of equipment used for sterilization that uses steam under pressure (Page 412)
autoclave
A process using chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms on objects (Page 412)
chemical disinfection
A process that destroys or kills pathogenic organisms, though it is not always effective against spores and viruses (Page 412)
disinfection
An infection or disease that originates outside the body (Page 410)
exogenous
Organisms that require oxygen to live (Page 406)
aerobic
Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and are classified by shape and arrangement (Page 406)
bacteria
Free from organisms causing disease; objects do not contain pathogens. (Page 414)
clean
Transmission-based precautions used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by large-particle droplets (Page 412)
droplet precautions
Inanimate objects contaminated with infectious material that contains pathogens, such as doorknobs, bedpans, or linens (Page 411)
fomites
are used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei. (Page 450)
airborne precautions
The use of microorganisms, or biologic agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants (Page 413)
bioterrorism
A disease that is transmitted from one individual to another. (Page 437)
communicable disease
A filovirus that causes hemorrhagic fever, starting with flu-like symptoms and progressing to massive hemorrhaging, organ failure, and death (Page 409)
ebola
Simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter, such as yeasts and molds (Page 408)
fungi
organisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen (Page 406)
anaerobic
The process in an ultrasonic unit where bubbles strike the items being cleaned and explode, driving the cleaning solution into all areas of the object. (Page 428)
cavitation
Transmission-based precautions used for patients infected with microorganisms transmitted by direct or indirect contact (Page 412)
contract precautions
An infection or disease that originates within the body (Page 410)
endogenous
An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility, such as a hospital or long-term care facility (Page 410)
health care-associated
Is defined as the absence of disease producing microorganisms or pathogens (Page 412)
asepsis
A series of conditions (infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host) that must be met for disease to occur and spread (Page 411)
chain of disinfection
A state where organisms and pathogens are present on an object or area (Page 412)
contaminated
Occurs when a communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time. (Page 437)
epidemic
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes (Page 410)
helminths