Infection Control Flashcards
What is the difference between exotoxins and endotoxins?
Exo= gram +, released from intact bacterial cells, attack a specific target tissue Endo= gram -, released from disrupted bacterial cells, generalized effects on host
What is generation time when referring to bacteria?
How long it takes for binary fission to take place, also known as the doubling time.
Name and describe the four phases of bacterial growth
Lag- cell adapts to new environment
Log- period of maximum growth
Stationary- bacteria stop growing and multiplying as supply of nutrients is exhausted
Death- cells die in their own waste or lack of nutrients
Which hepatitis are blood borne?
Hepatitis B (immunization), Hep C (no immunization)
What can HIV be spread by?
Any lymphocyte containing bodily fluid like blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk.
What is a nosocomial infection?
An infection acquired in the hospital.
What are the types of nosocomial infections?
Hospital microorganisms, compromised patients, and transmission between patients
What is the bacteria causing common surgical wound infections?
S. aureus
What is the most common bacteria causing nosocomial UTIs?
E coli
What are the three elements of transmission?
A source of the pathogen, the mode of transmission, and access to a susceptible host.
What are the routes of transmission?
Contact, droplet, vehicles (ex. food), airborne, vector (ex. insect or parasite)
What is a fomite?
An object or material that has the potential to carry pathogens. ex. dirty door knob, fork, etc.
What is ventilator-associated pneumonia?
Pneumonia that occurs with endotracheal intubation.
What are some ways to avoid VAP?
Noninvasive ventilation, hand washing, elevation of the bed, change of circuits when grossly contaminated, use of heat moisture whenever possible (to keep secretions mobile, keep ventilator tubing gravity dependent, oral care, aspiration of subglottic secretions, kinetic beds
What are the portals of entry for a microorganism?
Skin, mucous membranes, placenta, parenterally (orally).
What are signs and symptoms of infection?
fever, redness, inflammation, swelling, pain, nausea, malaise, purulent exudate (pus), leukocytosis (increase in WBC count)
What are some sources of febrile heat generation?
Constriction of blood vessels, increased metabolic rate, shivering.
What compound initiates the inflammation cascade?
Histamine
What major things happen during inflammation?
Vasodilation to increase blood flow to the area and increased permeability of the vessels to allow fluid into the surrounding tissue.
What is the role of clotting factors in inflammation?
They move to the site of injury to surround and isolate the microbe.
What is the role of antibodies in inflammation?
They coat bacteria in preparation for phagocytosis or neutralize toxins.
What is the role of antigens in inflammation?
They are introduced to lymphocytes to activate antibody production.
What is the role of WBCs in inflammation?
They are attracted to the area to engulf and destroy bacteria.
What are some causes of antibiotic resistance?
Over-prescription of antibiotics, stopping taking antibiotics before completing whole course, use of antibiotics in livestock and feed
