Ch. 15 Infection Control - Key Terms
What are AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses the immune system
What are autoclave
An autoclave is a piece of equipment that uses steam under pressure or gas to sterilize equipment and supplies
What are chemical disinfection
Because sterilization does not occur, chemical disinfection is the appropriate term
What are disinfection
This is a process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms
What are exogenous
Exogenous means the infection or disease originates outside the body.
What are aerobic
An organism that requires oxygen to live
What are bacteria
Bacteria are simple, one-celled organisms that multiply rapidly. They are classified by shape and arrangement.
What are clean
Good hygiene
What are droplet precautions
VISITORS STOP! REPORT TO NURSE BEFORE ENTERING Don a mask upon entry into the patient room or cubicle. When hands are visibly dirty, or soiled with blood or body fluids, wash hands with soap and water. If hands are not visibly soiled, decontaminate with an alcohol hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap & water. Private room, if possible. Cohort or place patient as far away from other patients as possible if private room is not available. If transport is necessary, instruct patient to wear a mask and follow Cough Etiquette No mask is required for persons transporting patients on Droplet Precautions.
What are fomites
Objects contaminated with infectious material that contains the pathogens.
What are airborne precautions
These are small particles of evaporated droplets that contain microorganisms and remain suspended in the air or on dust particles.
What are 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.
What are communicable disease
A communicable disease is caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others.
What are ebola
These viruses cause hemorrhagic fever, a disease that begins with flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and a skin rash. It quickly progresses to jaundice, pancreatitis, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging throughout the body, delirium, shock, and death.
What are fungi
Fungi are simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter.
What are anaerobic
An organism that doesn't require oxygen to live
What are cavitation
When the bubbles strike the items being cleaned, they explode, a process known as cavitation, and drive the cleaning solution onto the article.
What are contact precautions
Standard precautions in addition to the following. Don gloves upon entry into the room or cubicle. When hands are visibly dirty, or soiled with blood or body fluids, wash hands with soap and water, If hands are not visibly soiled, decontaminate with an alcohol hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap & water. Don gown upon entry into the room. Limit transport of patients to medically necessary purposes. Use disposable noncritical patient care equipment or implement patient dedicated use of such equipment.
What are endogenous
Endogenous means the infection or disease originates within the body.
What are 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
What are asepsis
The absence of disease-producing microorganisms, or pathogens.
What are chain of disinfection
health care providers can help break the chain of infection and protect themselves, their patients, and all other individuals.
What are contaminated
organisms and pathogens are present.
What are epidemic
An epidemic occurs when the communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time.
What are helminths
Helminths are multicellular parasitic organisms commonly called worms or flukes.