Definitions
What is infection?
The invasion of body tissues by microorganisms that cause disease
What type of microorganism is the most common cause of infection?
Bacteria
How many links are in the chain of infection?
6
What is the most common healthcare related infection (HAI)?
UTI
What is the #1 way infections are spread?
What is an asymptomatic (subclinical) infection?
An infection with no visible symptoms
Which microorganism must enter living cells to reproduce?
Viruses
What link refers to where the microorganisms live and multiply?
Reservoir
What is the most serious complication of infection?
Sepsis
What does the CDC recommend for hand hygiene before and after patient care?
Alcohol-based hands rubs
What is a communicable disease?
A disease spread by contact with body fluids, objects, or vectors (bugs)
What term describes microorganisms that normally live on the body without causing harm?
What is the portal of entry?
The way microorganisms enter the body; a break in the skin or mucous membranes
Which populations are most at risk for infection?
Infants, children, immunocompromised, and elderly
What occurs when antibiotics are used inappropriately or for too long?
Antibiotic resistance
What is an infectious disease?
A communicable disease caused by microorganisms
What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis?
Medical is clean technique; surgical is sterile technique
What link describes how an organism is transferred from one host to another?
Mode of transmission
What complication occurs when bacteremia becomes systemic and life threatening?
Septicemia
What type of infection originates from the patients own flora?
Endogenous infection
What terms describe bacteria present in the bloodstream?
Bacteremia
What term describes the severity of disease and how easily is spreads?
Virulence
What happens when the chain of infection is broken?
Infection is prevented
Which population has the highest risk for sepsis?
Older adults
What nursing action is essential when caring for all patients blood and bodily fluid?
Treat them as if infectious and use appropriate PPE