Chapter 02 - Infection Control Flashcards
biohazard containers
Containers specifically designed and marked for the disposal of contaminated items.
chain of infection
A model used to explain the components necessary for disease transmission.
communicable
Any disease that can be spread from person to person or from animal to person.
direct transmission
Exposure to or transmission of a communicable disease from one person to another by physical contact.
engineering controls
Actions taken by an employer to make the workplace safer.
health care-associated infection (HAI)
An infection a patient acquires during the course of receiving medical treatment for other conditions.
hepatitis B virus (HBV)
A virus that causes hepatitis B.
hepatitis C virus (HCV)
A virus that causes hepatitis C.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
A virus that can lead to infection and subsequently to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
immunization
The administration of a substance that stimulates the immune system to develop resistance to a disease.
indirect transmission
Exposure or transmission of disease from one person to another by contact with a contaminated object.
infectious disease
A disease that is caused by infection or one that is capable of being transmitted with or without direct contact.
meninges
A set of three tough membranes - the duramater, archnoid, and painter - that enclose the entire brain and spinal cord.
meningitis
Inflammation of the meninges that covers the spinal cord and the brain.
personal protective equipment (PPE)
Clothing or specialized equipment that provides protection to the wearer.
sharps container
A close, rigid receptacle in which sharp used items such as syringes and scalpels must be discarded.
standard precautions
Protective measures that have traditionally been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in dealing with objects, blood, body fluids, and other potential exposure risk of communicable disease.
transmission
The way in which an infectious agent is spread: contact, airborne, by vehicles (for example, food or needles), or by vectors.
tuberculosis (TB)
A chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis; usually affects the lungs but can also affect other organs such as the brain and kidneys.
work practices
Actions that the EMT takes to ensure workplace safety.
