Fundamentals: Chapter 28 Flashcards
What is an infection?
the invasion of a susceptible host by pathogens or microorganisms, resulting in disease
What is colonization?
the presence and growth of microorganisms within a host but without tissue invasion or damage
What is a communicable disease?
an infectious disease that can be transmitted directly from one person to another
What is a symptomatic infection?
the pathogens multiply and cause clinical signs and symptoms
What is an asymptomatic infection?
the pathogens multiply but clinical signs and symptoms are not present
What is the chain of infection?
- An infectious agent
- A reservoir (natural habitat)
- A port of exit
- A mode of transmission
- A port of entry
- A susceptible host
What are microorganisms?
bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa
What is a reservoir?
a place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host
What is the ideal temperature for most human pathogens?
20° to 43° C (68° to 109° F)
What is bactericidal?
A temperature or chemical that destroys bacteria
What is bacteriostasis?
the slowing of growth and reproduction of bacteria
What pH do most microorganisms prefer?
5.0 to 7.0
List different modes of transmission:
Contact (direct or indirect)
Droplet
Airborne
Vehicles
Vector
What is droplet contamination?
Large particles that travel up to 3 feet during coughing, sneezing, or talking and come in contact with susceptible host
What is airborne contamination?
Droplet nuclei or residue or evaporated droplets suspended in air during coughing or sneezing or carried on dust particles
What are the stages of infection?
Incubation Period
Prodromal Stage
Illness Stage (Full Stage of illness)
Convalescence
Describe the incubation period of infection
Interval between entrance of pathogen into body and appearance of first symptoms (organism grows and mulitplies; time varies)
Describe the prodromol stage of infection
Interval from onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms
Describe the illness stage of infection
Interval when patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to type of infection
Describe the convalescence stage of infection
Interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear (time varies)
What is the difference between a localized infection and a systemic infection?
In a localized infection, the patient usually experiences localized symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and redness at the wound site.
In a systemic infection, the entire body instead of just a single organ or part is affected.
What is micturation?
urination