Infection Control MED Flashcards
Acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
AIDS
Absence of microorganisms that produce disease; the prevention of infection by maintaining
a sterile condition.
Asepsis
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.
Contamination
The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate, or destroy blood
borne 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.
Decontamination
The destruction or removal of pathogenic organisms, but not necessarily their spores.
Disinfection
Infections associated with health care delivery in any setting; previously known as nosocomial infection.
Health care–associated infection
Inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis
The production of a disease or harmful condition by the entrance of disease-producing
germs into an organism.
Infection
Separation from others.
Isolation
Practices that help reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.
Medical Asepsis
A tiny living animal or plant that can cause disease.
microorganism
Pertaining only to infections originating in a hospital.
nosocomial
A microorganism that produces disease
Pathogen
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.
PPE, personal protective equipment
A 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.”
Respiratory hygeine
