Ch 28 Flashcards
Aerobic
bacteria require oxygen for survival and for multiplication sufficient to cause disease. Cause more infections in humans than other organisms. An example: Staphylococcus aureus
Anaerobic
bacteria thrive where little or no free oxygen is available. Infections deep within the pleural cavity, in a joint, or in a deep sinus tract are typically caused by anaerobes. An example: Clostridium difficile, an organism that causes antibiotic-induced diarrhea.
Asepsis
is the absence of pathogenic (disease-producing) microorganisms. technique refers to practices/procedures that help reduce the risk for infection. two types of are medical and surgical asepsis.
Asymptomatic
clinical signs and symptoms are not present. Ex: Hepatitis C
Bactericidal
A temperature or chemical that destroys bacteria
Bacteriostasis
Cold temperatures tend to prevent growth and reproduction of bacteria
Broad-spectrum antibiotics
eliminate a wide range of normal flora organisms, not just those causing infection
Colonization
is the presence and growth of microorganisms within a host but without tissue invasion or damage
Communicable disease
an infectious disease can be transmitted directly from one person to another,
Cough etiquette
aka respiratory hygiene. The elements: (1) covering your nose/mouth with a tissue when you cough and promptly disposing of the contaminated tissue; (2) placing a surgical mask on a patient if it does not compromise respiratory function or is applicable, which may not be feasible in pediatric populations; (3) hand hygiene after contact with contaminated respiratory secretions; and (4) spatial separation greater than 3 feet from persons with respiratory infections
Disinfection
describes a process that eliminates many or all microorganisms, with the exception of bacterial spores, from inanimate objects
Infectious
Disease or infection results only if the pathogens multiply and alter normal tissue function
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues.
Endogenous infection
occurs when part of the patient’s flora becomes altered and an overgrowth results (e.g., staphylococci, enterococci, yeasts, and streptococci). This often happens when a patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics that alter the normal floras.
Epidemiology
(cause and effect) of health care–associated infections
Exogenous infection
Infection originating outside an organ or part.
Exudates
fluid and cells that are discharged from cells or blood vessels [e.g., pus or serum]. Three types: may be 1. serous (clear, like plasma), 2. sanguineous (containing red blood cells), or 3. purulent (containing WBCs and bacteria)
Granulation tissue
Soft, pink, fleshy projections of tissue that form during the healing process in a wound not healing by primary intention.
Hand hygiene
Includes using an instant alcohol hand antiseptic before and after providing patient care, washing hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled, and performing a surgical scrub.
Handwashing
is the act of washing hands with soap and water, followed by rinsing under a stream of water for 15 seconds. The friction of rubbing hands together removes soil and transient organisms from the hands.
Health care–associated infections (HAIs)
formerly called nosocomial or health care–acquired infections, result from the delivery of health services in a health care facility. They occur as the result of invasive procedures, antibiotic administration, the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms, and breaks in infection prevention and control activities.
Iatrogenic infections
are a type of HAI from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. For example, procedures such as a bronchoscopy and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics increase the risk for certain infections
Immunocompromised
(has an impaired immune system).
Infection
Invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms that reproduce and multiply.
Invasive
type of procedure
Leukocytosis
an increase in the number of circulating WBCs
Localized
(e.g., a wound infection), the patient usually experiences localized symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and redness at the wound site
Medical asepsis
Procedures used to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their spread.
Microorganisms
Microscopic entities such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are capable of carrying on living processes.
Necrotic
Of or pertaining to the death of tissue in response to disease or injury.
Normal floras
do not usually cause disease when residing in their usual area of the body but instead participate in maintaining health.
Pathogens
Microorganisms capable of producing disease.
Phagocytosis
Is the process that involves the destruction and absorption of bacteria.
Purulent
Exudate may contain WBCs and bacteria
Reservoir
Place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host.
Sanguineous
Exudate may contain red blood cells
Serous
Exudate is clear, like plasma
Standard precautions
Guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens in hospitals.
Sterile field
is an area free of microorganisms and prepared to receive sterile items.
Sterilization
A technique for destroying microorganisms using heat, water, chemicals, or gases.
Suprainfection
Secondary infection usually caused by an opportunistic pathogen. develops when broad-spectrum antibiotics eliminate a wide range of normal flora organisms, not just those causing infection. When normal bacterial floras are eliminated, body defenses are reduced, which allows for disease-producing microorganisms to multiply, causing illness
Surgical asepsis
Procedures used to eliminate any microorganisms from an area. Also called sterile technique.
Susceptibility
depends on the individual’s degree of resistance to pathogens.
Suppurative
pus-forming infection
Symptomatic
pathogens multiply and cause clinical signs and symptoms
Systemic
An infection that affects the entire body instead of just a single organ or part
Vector
Mode of transmission = mechanical transfer to host via: •Mosquito •Louse •Flea •Tick
