Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
portal entry
A way for the infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or host
infectious agent
A pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus that can cause a disease
pandemic
Exists when the outbreak of disease occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a high proportion of the population
sterile
Free from all organisms, including spores and viruses
chemical disinfection
The use of chemicals for disinfection; used for instruments that do not penetrate body tissue
health care-associated
An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility
AIDS
A small, living organism that is not visible to the naked eye
parasite
Organisms that live on or in a host and get their food from or at the expense of their host
sterile field
An area that is set up for certain procedures and is free from all organisms
communicable disease
Caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others
helminths
Multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes
mode of transmission
A way that the infectious agent can be transmitted to another reservoir or host where it can live
pathogens
Microorganisms that cause infection and disease; germs
sterilization
Process that destroys all microorganisms, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, including spores and viruses
contract precautions
Used for patients known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact
hepatitis B
Caused by the HBV virus and is transmitted by blood, serum, and other body secretions
non-pathogens
Microorganisms that are part of the normal flora of the body and are beneficial in maintaining certain body processes
personal protective equipment
Includes gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, and face shields to protect an individual from exposure to pathogens
susceptible host
someone likely to get an infection or disease, usually because body defenses are weak
contaminated
Organisms and pathogens are present
hepatitis C
Caused by the HCV virus and is transmitted by blood and blood-containing body fluids
opportunistic
Infections that occur when the body’s defenses are weak
A way for the infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or host
portal entry
transmission based precautions
Method or technique of caring for patients who have communicable diseases
disinfection
Process that destroys or kills pathogenic organisms; not always effective against spores and viruses