Chapter 2 Flashcards
AIDS
acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
asepsis
absence of microorganisms that produce disease; the prevention of infection by maintaining a sterile condition
contamination
when something is rendered unclean or nonsterile; an item, surface, or field is considered to be contaminated when it has come into contact with anything that is not sterile
decontamination
use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to the point at which they are no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and the surface or item is rendered safe for handling, use, or disposal
disinfection
destruction or removal of pathogenic organisms, but not necessarily their spores
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
infections associated with health care delivery in any setting; previously known as nosocomial infection
hepatitis
inflammation of the liver
infection
production of a disease or harmful condition by the entrance of disease-producing germs into an organism
isolation
separation from others
medical asepsis
practices that help reduce the number and spread of microorganisms
microorganism
tiny living animal or plant that can cause disease
nosocomial
pertaining only to infections originating in a hospital
pathogen
microorganism that produces disease
protective personal equipment (PPE)
refers to a variety of barriers and respirators used alone or in
combination to protect skin, mucous membranes, airways, and clothing from contact with infectious agents; includes gloves, respirators, masks, face shields, goggles, shoe covers, and gowns
respiratory hygiene
new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standard that applies to all persons entering a health care setting, including visitors, patients, and health care personnel; also known as “cough etiquette”
