Chapter 33
The vital energy or life force believed in traditional Chinese medicine to flow through the body.
Relating to plants or plant parts used for medicinal purposes, such as leaves, roots, flowers, or extracts.
Herbal
Additional measures to prevent germs from spreading through direct contact with a person or contaminated items, including wearing gloves and a gown.
Contact precautions
The time between infection with a microorganism and the appearance of the first signs or symptoms.
Incubation period
Basic infection-control practices used for every patient, regardless of infection status, including hand hygiene, safe injection practices, and protective equipment based on expected exposure.
Standard precautions
The use of plants or plant preparations for medicinal purposes; also called herbal medicine.
Phytotherapy
Hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians to move, stretch, or apply pressure to muscles, joints, and other tissues to improve function and relieve symptoms.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment
Practices used to prevent infections and stop infectious organisms from spreading, such as hand hygiene, protective equipment, cleaning, and safe care procedures.
Infection preventiion and control
A white blood cell count above the normal range, which may occur with infection, inflammation, or other conditions.
Leukocytosis
A virus that attacks the immune system, especially CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A relaxation technique that involves imagining calming scenes or experiences to promote comfort and reduce stress; often called guided imagery.
Imagery
A traditional Chinese practice combining controlled breathing, gentle movements or postures, and focused attention or meditation.
Qi gong
A practice originating in traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to address symptoms or health problems.
Acupuncture
Additional infection-control measures for germs that can remain suspended in the air, including a special airborne isolation room and appropriate respiratory protection.
Airborne precautions
The stage of an infection when the disease’s characteristic signs and symptoms are present and usually most pronounced.
Illness period
A practice originating in India that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation.
Yoga
The use of essential oils from plants, usually through inhalation or application to the skin, to support comfort and well-being.
Aromatherapy
Unable to be penetrated by a substance; in infection control, it commonly describes material that prevents liquids from passing through.
Impervious
A general feeling of discomfort, weakness, or being unwell.
Malaise
The recovery stage of an illness, when symptoms decrease and the person gradually returns to their usual level of health and functioning.
Convalescent period
A health care approach focused on the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, that commonly uses hands-on adjustments or manipulation.
Chiropractic
A coordinated approach to care that combines conventional medicine with complementary practices and considers the whole person.
Integrative health
Infections related to receiving health care that develop during or soon after that care.
Health care-associated infections (HAIs)
Additional measures to prevent infection spread through respiratory droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, or talking, including wearing a medical mask upon room entry.
Droplet precautions
Additional precautions used with Standard Precautions for certain suspected or confirmed infections; the three categories are Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions.
Transmission-Based precautions
A complementary practice in which practitioners place their hands lightly on or above a person, intending to direct healing energy. This proposed energy has not been scientifically established.
Reiki
A traditional spiritual practitioner believed within their culture to communicate with the spirit world and perform rituals for healing or guidance.
Shaman
Separating people with certain suspected or confirmed infections from others and using precautions to limit the spread of infection.
Isolation
The early stage of an illness when vague symptoms, such as fatigue or malaise, appear before its characteristic signs and symptoms develop.
Prodromal period