Key terms
AIDS
Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses the immune system
autoclave
An autoclave is a piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies (Figure 15-28). It is the most efficient method of sterilizing most articles, and it will destroy all microorganisms, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, including spores and viruses.
chemical disinfection
chemicals are not a method of sterilization. Because sterilization does not occur, chemical disinfection is the appropriate term
disinfection
This is a process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms. It is not always effective against spores and viruses
exogenous
Exogenous means the infection or disease originates outside the body.
aerobic
Organisms require oxygen to live
bacteria
are simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly. They are classified by shape and arrangement
clean
After body fluid exposure or risk of exposure
. After touching a patient
After touching the patient's surroundings
In addition, handwashing should be done:
droplet precautions
These guidelines call for strict enforcement of standard, contact, and droplet precautions. The patient is to be placed in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with restricted visitation.
fomites
Common fomites include doorknobs, bedpans, urinals, linens, instruments, and specimen containers.
airborne precautions
Airborne precautions (Figure 15-45) 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.
bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is the use of microorganisms, or biologic Throughout history, microorganisms have been used in agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants.
communicable disease
communicable disease is caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others. An epidemic occurs when the communicable disease
ebola
Filoviruses such as Ebola and Marburg 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 (muscle pain), and a skin rash
fungi
Fungi are simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter. Yeasts and molds are two common forms that can be pathogenic.
anaerobic
Organisms live and reproduce in the absence
cavitation
When the bubbles strike the items being cleaned, they explode, a process known as cavitation, and drive the cleaning solution onto the article.
contract precautions
Presently, there is no cure, and no vaccine is available, so it is important for the health care provider to take precautions to prevent the spread of this disease.
endogenous
Endogenous means the infection or disease originates within the body.
health care-associated
A health care-associated infection (HAI) (formerly referred to as nosocomial or hospital-acquired) is an infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility such as a hospital or long-term care facility.
asepsis
A major way to break the chain of infection is to use aseptic techniques while providing health care. Asepsis is defined as the absence of disease-producing microorganisms, or pathogens.
chain of infection
For disease to occur and spread from one individual to another, certain conditions must be met. These conditions are commonly called the chain of infection
contaminated
means that organisms and pathogens are present. Any object or area that may contain pathogens is considered to be contaminated.
epidemic
epidemic and public health emergency. Large numbers of infected people would place a major stress on health care facilities. Fear and panic could lead to riots, social disorder, and disregard for authority.
helminths
Helminths are multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes. They are transmitted to humans when humans ingest the eggs or larvae in contaminated food, ingest meat contaminated with the worms, or get bitten by infected insects. Some worms can also penetrate the skin to enter the body