Aseptic Technique and Infection Control Flashcards
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Disorder caused when HIV damages the immune system, leaving the person open to kinds of infections that other people rarely get or fight off easily.
Asepsis
The absence of disease-causing microorganisms (germs).
Bloodborne
Viruses or diseases spread by contact with blood.
Carrier
A person who can spread an infectious agent such as HIV or HBV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The U.S. agency that tracks the spread of diseases. It developed Universal Precautions for controlling HBV, HCV and HIV in the workplace. It is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Contaminate
To make impure or dirty.
Exposure
Contact with blood, body fluids or tissue in a way that could allow the hepatitis B virus or the virus that causes AIDS to get into the body.
Germicide
A material that is used to kill germs.
Hepatitis B
Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Severe acute hepatitis B or chronic active hepatitis can be deadly.
Hepatitis C
Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Virus that causes AIDS.
Infectious
Capable of transmitting infection.
Medical asepsis
A term used to describe procedures that reduce the number of microorganisms and work to prevent their spread.
Mucous membranes
The tissue that lines the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Modes of transmission
The ways that infections are spread from one person to another.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Equipment that workers wear as a barrier against transmission of infection. Includes protective gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, face shields, and resuscitation equipment.
Standard Precautions
Guidelines for controlling infection developed by the CDC that are broader than Universal Precautions in that they are directed at all body fluids, secretions (except sweat), and excretions, regardless of whether they contain blood. They also cover contact with nonintact skin and mucous membranes.
Surgical asepsis
A term used to describe procedures used to eliminate any microorganisms, such as sterilization procedures.
Vaccine
Agent given for the purpose of establishing resistance to an infectious disease, such as hepatitis B.
The chain of infection.
Pathogen Reservoir Portal of Exit Mode of Transmission Portal of Entry Susceptible Host
- Pathogen - A pathogen may be a bacterium such or Salmonella, it may be a virus such as hepatitis B, or it may be a fungus like Candida or a parasite such as a tapeworm.
- Reservoir - Because pathogens are living organisms, their survival depends on an environment where they exist and reproduce. This environment is called the reservoir. A reservoir may be water, food, or a piece of equipment that has not been disinfected. Humans and other animals can also be reservoirs. A human reservoir may or may not show signs of illness.
- Portal of Exit - The portal of exit is the path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir. A portal of exit may be the respiratory tract, such as when pathogens are coughed or sneezed into the air, or the gastrointestinal tract, such as when waste products are excreted.
- Mode of Transmission - mechanism by which the pathogen is transmitted from the reservoir to a susceptible host – a person who may then become infected. A pathogen may be transmitted by contact with an infected person, through airborne transmission of contaminated droplets, or common vehicle transmission, such as from contaminated food, water or reusable equipment.
- Portal of Entry - the path by which a pathogen enters the susceptible host. The portal of entry may be the respiratory tract, such as when pathogens are inhaled. Pathogens may enter the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract by contaminated food, water, or objects. A lesion or wound, and mucous membranes may also be portals of entry. Entry may occur by insertion of needles or other devices.
Susceptible host - a person who can’t resist a pathogen. Factors that influence a person’s susceptibility include age, health status, and immune status.
What is the most effective single procedure for preventing infection?
Hand hygiene
When should you wash your hands?
Before and after direct contact with a patient
Before and after wearing gloves
After touching patient care equipment or environmental surfaces
Before performing invasive procedures
What is the most effective technique in hand decontamination?
Alcohol-based hand rub
How should you wash your hands?
The manufacturer’s recommended amount of the agent should be applied to the palm of one hand. Then the hands should be rubbed together so the agent covers all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rub until the hands are dry, and do not rinse.
