Ch. 15 Infection Control
AIDS
A disease caused by HIV that suppresses the immune system, leaving the body unable to fight off certain cancers and infections.
Chemical disinfection
The use of chemical agents to destroy pathogenic organisms; used mainly on objects.
Anaerobic
Organisms that live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen.
Chain of infection
A series of six factors that must be met for a disease to occur and spread from one individual to another.
Bacteria
Simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and are classified by shape and arrangement.
Bioterrorism
The use of microorganisms or biologic agents as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants.
Clean
Describes an object or area that does not contain pathogens.
Aerobic
Organisms that require oxygen to live and reproduce.
Communicable disease
A disease that is transmitted from one individual to another.
Autoclave
A piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize objects.
Contact precautions
Rules followed for patients infected with microorganisms spread by direct or indirect contact.
Asepsis
The absence of disease-producing microorganisms or pathogens.
Contaminated
A state where organisms and pathogens are present on an object or area.
Cavitation
The cleaning process in ultrasonic units where bubbles strike an item and explode, driving solution into small spaces.
Disinfection
A process using chemicals to destroy pathogens; not always effective against spores and viruses.
Epidemic
An infectious disease that spreads rapidly and affects many people in one area at the same time.
Exogenous
An infection or disease that originates outside the body.
Endogenous
An infection or disease that originates within the body.
Airborne precautions
Methods used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by small, suspended droplet nuclei.
Fungi
Simple, plant-like organisms (yeasts and molds) that live on dead organic matter.
Droplet precautions
Used for pathogens transmitted by large-particle droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing.
Antisepsis
A process that prevents or inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms; usually safe for use on the skin.
Health care-associated infection (HAI)
An infection acquired by an individual while in a health care facility (formerly nosocomial).
Fomites
Nonliving objects (like linens or doorknobs) contaminated with infectious material.
Ebola
A filovirus that causes hemorrhagic fever, massive internal bleeding, and organ failure.