Key Terms
This term refers to tiny living organisms only visible under a microscope.
What is a microorganism?
An infection limited to one part of the body.
What is a localized infection?
Gloves, gowns, masks, and goggles are examples of this.
What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?
The single most important method of preventing infection.
What is handwashing?
You notice a resident has redness, swelling, and drainage from a wound. What type of infection might this be?
What is a localized infection?
The body's ability to fight off infection and disease.
An infection that spread through the bloodstream.
What is a systemic infection?
These precautions are used for all resident, regardless of infection status.
What are Standard Precautions?
Hands should be washed for at least this many seconds.
What is 20 seconds?
You spill a disinfectant in the hallway. What should you do first?
What is don gloves and follow spill protocol?
A disease that spreads quickly from person to person.
What is a contagious disease?
An infection acquired in a healthcare setting.
What is a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?
You’re preparing to care for a resident with Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Which PPE item must you use, and what special hand hygiene rule applies afterward?
What are gloves and gown; handwashing with soap and water is required (not alcohol-based sanitizer)?
Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective unless hands are this.
What is visibly soiled?
A resident in isolation feels lonely. What can you do to support them?
What is spend time with them and offer conversation?
The process of removing pathogens from surfaces.
What is disinfection?
An infectious disease that is not spread from person to person.
What is a non-communicable disease?
You’re helping a resident who is on contact precautions due to a skin infection. What PPE should you wear before entering the room?
What are gloves and possible a gown?
This should be done before and after wearing gloves.
What is hand hygiene?
You’re assigned to a resident with MRSA. What precautions should you take?
What are contact precautions and proper PPE use?
A disease caused by the growth of a pathogen.
What is an infectious disease?
Being infected again with the same pathogen.
You’re helping a resident who is on droplet precautions due to influenza. What PPE should you wear, and what should you do before leaving the room?
What is a mask and gloves; remove PPE properly and perform hand hygiene before exiting?
You’re about to perform oral care for a resident. When should you wash your hands during this task?
What is before putting on gloves and after removing them?
A resident has a fever, chills, and confusion. What type of infection might this indicate?
What is a systemic infection?