Key Terms #1 Flashcards
Asepsis
is the absence of pathogenic (disease-producing) microorganisms. technique refers to practices/procedures that help reduce the risk for infection. two types of are medical and surgical asepsis.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces of tissues.
Epidemiology
(cause and effect) of health care-associated infections
Exudates
fluid and cells that are discharged from cells or blood vessels [e.g., pus or serum]. Three types: may be 1. serous (clear, like plasma), 2. sanguineous (containing red blood cells), or 3. purulent (containing WBCs and bacteria)
HAIs
formerly called nosocomial or health care-acquired infections, result from the delivery of health services in a health care facility. They occur as the result of invasive procedures, antibiotic administration, the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms, and breaks in infection prevention and control activities.
Iatrogenic infections
are a type of HAI from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. For example, procedures such as a bronchoscopy and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics increase the risk for certain infections
Medical asepsis
Procedures used to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their spread.
Normal flora
do not usually cause disease when residing in their usual area of the body but instead participate in maintaining health.
Pathogens
Microorganisms capable of producing disease.
Reservoir
Place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host.
Sanguineous
Exudate may contain red blood cells
Serous
Exudate is clear, like plasma
Standard precautions
Guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens in hospitals.
Vector
Mode of transmission = mechanical transfer to host via:•Mosquito•Louse•Flea•Tick
Afebrile
Without fever.
Blood pressure
The force exerted on the walls of an artery by the pulsing blood under pressure from the heart
Bradycardia
Slower-than-normal heart rate; heart contracts fewer than 60 times/min.
Cardiac output
Volume of blood expelled by the ventricles of the heart, equal to the amount of blood ejected at each beat multiplied by the number of beats in the period of time used for computation (usually 1 minute).
Celsius
Denotes temperature scale in which 0° is the freezing point of water and 100° is the boiling point of water at sea level.
Conduction
The transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact. Solids, liquids, and gases conduct heat through contact.
Convection
the transfer of heat away by air movement. A fan promotes heat loss through convection.
Diaphoresis
Secretion of sweat, especially profuse secretion associated with an elevated body temperature, physical exertion, or emotional stress.
