CH. 15 KEY TERMS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses the immune system
autoclave
The most common piece of equipment used for sterilization
chemical disinfection
The appropriate term for cold sterilization that kills spores and viruses
disinfection
The process that uses chemical disinfectants to destroy or kill pathogenic organisms
exogenous
The infection or disease that orginates outside the body
Aerobic
Require oxygen to live
bacteria
Simple one celled organisms that multiply rapidly
clean
Objects or parts of objects do not contain disease producing organisms
droplet precautions
These guidelines calf or strict enforcement on standard, contact, and droplet precautions
fomites
Objects contaminated with infectious material that contains the pathogens. Doorknobs, bed pans, urinals, linens, etc.
Airborne precautions
Used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei
bioterrorism
The use of microorganisms as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants
Communicable disease
Caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others
ebola
This virus causes hemorrhagic fever, chills, headach,e myalgia, and a skin rash
fungi
Plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter. Yeasts and molds are common forms that can be pathogenic
anaerobic
Live and reproduce in the absence of oxygen
cavitation
When bubbles strike the items being cleaned and they explode
contract precautions
When the defense mechanisms of the body are intact and the immune system is functioning
endogenous
The infection or disease originates within the body
health care associated
An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility such as a hospital or long- term care facility.
asepsis
The absence of disease-producing microorganisms
chain of disinfection
For disease to occur and spread from one individual to another
contaminated
Organisms and pathogens are present. Any object or area that may contain pathogens is considered contaminated
epidemic
Occurs when the communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time
helminths
multicellular parasitic organisms