Infection Flashcards
colonization
microorganism invades the host but does not cause infection
what is recommended time for hand washing?
10-15 seconds
what hand washing technique is used for C. diff?
soap and water
incubation stage
interval between pathogen’s invasion of the body and the appearance of symptoms
prodromal stage
most infectious stage where early signs are present but vague (i.e. fatigue, low-grade fever)
illness stage
presence of specific signs and symptoms
convalescent stage
recovery period, signs and symptoms disappear
asepsis
includes all activities to prevent infection or break the chain of infection
medical asepsis
“clean technique” involves procedures that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens
surgical asepsis
“sterile technique” involves procedures that renders objects and areas free from microorganisms
what does HAI stand for?
health-care associated infections
nosocomial
infection that is originated in a hospital
iatrogenic
infection that results from a treatment or diagnostic procedure
Disinfection
destroys all pathogenic organisms except spores
Sterilization
destroys all microorganisms including spores
