Ch.19 Infection Control Flashcards
antibodies
protein substances produced in the blood or tissues, in response to a specific antigen, that destroy or weaken the antigen; part of the immune system
antiseptics
substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissue; they are used to cleanse the skin, wounds, and so on
autoimmune
a disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues and cells, leading to the deterioration of structure and/or function
candidiasis
an infection caused by a yeast (candida albicans) that typically affects the vaginal mucosa and skin
communicable
diseases spread from person to person either by direct or nondirect contact
defectation
the act of voiding waste from the bowels through the anus; the act of having a bowel movement
degenerative
an illness resulting from the deterioration of tissues and organs
disinfectant
any chemical agent used on nonliving objects to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful organisms; not effective against bacterial spores
fatigue
extreme tiredness
germicides
agents that destroy pathogenic organisms
hereditary
passed from parents to offspring through the genes
impervious
not permitting penetration
inanimate
not animate; lifeless
inhalation
the act of breathing
ingested
taken, as food, into the body
interferon
a protein formed when a cell is exposed to a virus; the protein blocks viral action on the cell and protects against viral invasion
malaise
a condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort
Noninvasive procedures
Procedures that do not penetrate human tissue
Nosocomial infections
Infections acquired in a healthcare setting
Parenteral
Taken into the body by any route other than the digestive tract
Pathogenic
Capable of producing disease
Pyemia
The presence of pus forming organisms in the blood
Relapse
The recurrence of the symptoms of a disease after apparent recovery
Remission
The partial or complete disappearance of the clinical and subjective characteristics of a chronic or malignant disease
Spore
A thick walled, dormant form of bacteria that is very resistant to disinfection measures
Standard Precautions
A set of infection control practices used to prevent the transmission of diseases that can be acquired by contact with blood, body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes
Sterile
Free of all microorganisms, pathogenic and nonpathogenic
Tinea
Any fungal skin disease that results in scaling, itching, and inflammation; examples include ringworm and athlete’s foot
Transmission
The passage or spread of disease
Vectors
Animals or insects that transmit a pathogen
