ASEPSIS Flashcards
microorganisms found in the intestines (e.g., enterobacteria) produce substances called
bacteriocins
(the collective vegetation in a given area) in one part of the body, yet produce infection in another.
resident flora
is the growth of microorganisms in body tissue where they are not usually found.
infection
A detectable alteration in normal tissue function
disease
the ability of the microorganisms to produce disease
virulence
is the ability to produce disease
pathogenicity
causes disease only in a susceptible individual.
opportunistic pathogen
is the major regulatory agency at the international level.
WHO
is the freedom from disease-causing microorganisms.
asepsis
What are the two basic types of asepsis?
medical asepsis
surgical asepsis
includes all practices intended to confine a specific microorganism to a specific area, limiting the number, growth, and transmission of microorganisms.
medical asepsis
which means likely to have microorganisms, some of which may be capable of causing infection.
dirty
refers to those practices that keep an area or object free of all microorganisms; it includes practices that destroy all microorganisms and spores (microscopic dormant structures formed by some pathogens that are very hardy and often survive common cleaning techniques).
surgical asepsis or sterile technique
is the condition in which acute organ dysfunction occurs secondary to infection.
sepsis
consist primarily of nucleic acid and therefore must enter living cells in order to reproduce.
viruses
include yeasts and molds
fungi
live on other living organisms. They include protozoa such as the one that causes malaria, helminths (worms), and arthropods (mites, fleas, ticks).
parasites
is the process by which strains of microorganisms become resident flora
colonization
is limited to the specific part of the body where the microorganisms remain.
local infection
Ifthe microorganisms spread and damage different parts of the body, the infection is a
systemic infection
When a culture of the person’s blood reveals microorganisms, the condition is called
bacteremia
When bacteremia results in systemic infection, it is referred to as
septicemia
are classified as infections that originate in the hospital
nosocomial infections
those that originate in any health care setting.
health care-associated infections
The microorganisms that cause nosocomial infections can originate from the clients themselves as
1.
2.
endogenous
exogenous
are the direct result of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
latrogenic infections
What are the six links that make up the chain of infection ?
etiologic agent
reservoir
portal of exit
method or mode of transmission
portal of entry
susceptible hosts
what are the common sources of reservoirs?
other humans
client’s own microorganisms
plants
animals
general environment
is a person or animal reservoir of a specific infectious agent that usually does not manifest any clinical signs of disease.
carrier
What are the three mechanisms or mode of transmission?
- direct transmission
- indirect transmission
- airborne transmission
It is considered one of the most effective infection prevention measures.
hand hygiene
agents that inhibit the growth of some microorganisms
antiseptics
agents that destroy pathogens other than spores
disinfectants
preparation prevents the growth and reproduction of some bacteria
bacteriostatic
is a process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.
sterilization
is a microorganism-free area.
sterile field
is a substance that induces a state of sensitivity or immune responsiveness (immunity)
antigen
If the proteins originate in a person’s own body, the antigen is called an
autoantigen
