Chapter 6 Terminology

Question 1

Biocidal

Answer 1

Process or ability to kill or control the growth of living organisms.

Question 2

Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

Answer 2

An infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.

Question 3

Chain of Infection

Answer 3

A way of gathering the information needed to interrupt or prevent an infection. Each of the links in the chain must be favorable to the organism for the infection to continue. Breaking any link in the chain can disrupt the infection. Which link is most effective to target will depend on the organism.

Question 4

Asepsis

Answer 4

The absence of microorganism that cause disease.

Question 5

Aseptic Technique

Answer 5

Any activity or procedure that prevents infection or breaks the chain of infection.

Question 6

Asepsis (Medical)

Answer 6

Clean technique; procedures performed to reduce the number of microorganisms and minimize their spread.

Question 7

Asepsis (Surgical)

Answer 7

Surgical technique; procedures performed to eliminate the presence of all microorganisms, and/or prevent the introduction of microorganisms to an area.

Question 8

Hand Hygiene

Answer 8

The act of washing one’s hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.

Question 9

Fomite

Answer 9

An inanimate object that can transmit bacteria.

Question 10

Causative Agent (Chain of Infection)

Answer 10

The microorganism that causes an infectious disease.

Question 11

Reservoir (Chain of Infection)

Answer 11

The place where an infectious agent (microorganism) can survive.

Question 12

Portal of Exit (Chain of Infection)

Answer 12

The path by which an infectious agent leaves the reservoir.

Question 13

Mode of Transmission (Chain of Infection)

Answer 13

The method of transfer of transfer of an infectious agent from the reservoir to a susceptible host.

Question 14

Portal of Entry (Chain of Infection)

Answer 14

The path used by an infectious agent to enter a susceptible host.

Question 15

Susceptible Host (Chain of Infection)

Answer 15

A person or animal that lacks the ability to resist infection by an infectious agent.

Question 16

Carrier

Answer 16

A person or organism infected with an infectious disease agent, but displays no symptoms. Although unaffected by the disease themselves, carriers can transmit it to others.

Question 17

Parenteral

Answer 17

Something that is put inside the body, but not by swallowing (e.g., an injection administered into the muscle).

Question 18

Colonization

Answer 18

Occurs when microorganisms live on or in a host organism, but do not invade tissues or cause damage.