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.
Diastolic pressure
Minimal pressure exerted against the arterial walls at all times
Fahrenheit
Denotes temperature scale in which 32° is the freezing point of water and 212° is the boiling point of water at sea level.
Febrile
Pertaining to or characterized by an elevated body temperature.
Hematocrit
Percentage of red blood cells in the blood; it determines blood viscosity.
Hypertension
Disorder characterized by an elevated blood pressure persistently exceeding 120/80 mm Hg.
Hyperthermia
Situation in which body temperature exceeds the set point.
Hypotension
Abnormal lowering of blood pressure that is inadequate for normal perfusion and oxygenation of tissues.
Hypothermia
Abnormal lowering of body temperature below 35° C, or 95° F, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
Hypoxemia
Arterial blood oxygen level less than 60 mm Hg; low oxygen level in the blood.
Oxygen saturation
Amount of hemoglobin fully saturated with oxygen, given as a percent value.
Pulse deficit
Condition that exists when the radial pulse is less than the ventricular rate as auscultated at the apex or seen on an electrocardiogram. The condition indicates a lack of peripheral perfusion for some of the heart contractions.
Pulse pressure
Difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures, normally 30 to 40 mm Hg.
Sphygmomanometer
Device for measuring the arterial blood pressure that consists of an arm or leg cuff with an air bladder connected to a tube, a bulb for pumping air into the bladder, and a gauge for indicating the amount of air pressure being exerted against the artery.
Systolic pressure
Pressure of the blood as it leaves through the aorta
Tachycardia
Rapid regular heart rate ranging between 100 and 150 beats/min.
Ventilation
Respiratory process by which gases are moved into and out of the lungs.
Vital signs
Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.
Adventitious sounds
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Auscultation
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Clubbing
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Cyanosis
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Erythema
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Excoriation
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Jaundice
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Kyphosis
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Lordosis
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Orthopnea
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Osteoporosis
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Palpation
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Percussion
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Peristalsis
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Scoliosis
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Syncope
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