Infection Control & Principles Of Asepsis Flashcards
Definition of Asepsis
Absence of microorganisms
Includes:
- Medical
- Surgical
Examples:
Examples of surgical asepsis include the use of disposable sterile supplies, such as syringes, needles, and surgical gloves; and the use of reusable sterile equipment, such as surgical instruments
Definition of Infection
Invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
(Bacteria, virus)
Definition of Contaminated
Soiled with microorganisms
For example:
- Used injections, when a material is soiled it is considered contaminated
Definition of Disinfection
Reduction of microorganisms without destroying the spores
Definition of Spores
Inactive but viable state of microorganisms
Definition of sterile
Free from microorganisms but not the spores
Definition of pathogenicity
Ability to produce disease
Definition of Opportunistic pathogen
Pathogen that causes disease only to susceptible individuals
Susceptible individuals - Prone to getting the disease and has a weakened immune system
Definition of carrier
Person or animal that harbors an infectious agent and capable of transferring it to other persons.
For example:
- COVID-19 you might have no symptoms but you are carrying the infection
Definition of Colonization
Presence of microorganisms in the body secretions or excretions that does not cause illness.
For example:
- Sweat
- Blood
- Nasel
State the Chain of infection (6)
- Etiologic Agent
- Reservoir
- Portal of exit
- Mode of transmission
- Portal of entry
- Susceptible host
Description of Etiologic Agent
Disease- causing microorganisms including
- bacteria
- virus
- fungi
- parasites
Description of Reservoir
Is a place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host.
- Human beings
- Animals
- Inanimate objects
- Plants
- General environment (air, water, soil)
The house of the microorganism
Description of Portal of Exit from Reservoir
After microorganisms find a site to grow and multiply, they need to find a portal of exit if they are to enter another host and cause disease
- Sputum - Phlegm
- Emesis - Vomit
- Stool
- Blood
When the microorganism gets stronger
Description of Common Portal of Exit
Respiratory: Droplets, sputum
GI tract: Vomitus, feces, saliva, drainage tubes
Urinary: Urine, urethral catheters
Reproductive: Semen, vaginal discharge
Blood: Open wound, needle puncture site