(P) Lesson 2: Infection Control Flashcards
Process by which a pathogen enters, multiplies, and causes illness to the body
Infection
Microorganisms that cause disease are called what?
Pathogens
Non-pathogenic microorganisms on our skin and GIT
Normal Flora
T or F: Normal flora can become pathogenic
True (if they exist in a location they aren’t meant to be in)
Infection that affects only one area of the body
Local infection
Infection that affects the entire body
Systemic infection
Infection caused by one’s own flora
Autogenous infection
Diseases that spread from one person to another
Communicable disease
Infections acquired in healthcare facilities
Nosocomial infections
Microorganisms that develop resistances to specific antibiotics
Antibiotic Resistant Infections
Microorganisms that develop resistances to multiple antibiotics; aka superbugs
Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms
The continuous link in the transmission of pathogens between a source and host
Chain of Infection
The causative agent for infections that may be bacteria, protozoa, virus, etc.
Infectious Agent
The place where pathogens can grow, survive, and multiply (animals, humans, plants, soil, etc.)
Reservoir
The pathway where an infectious agent can leave a reservoir host; can be secretions from the eyes, nose, mouth, blood, feces, urine, etc.
Exit Pathway
Refers to contact that may be direct or indirect
Means of Transmission
Physical transfer from the source to the host through close or intimate contact
Direct Contact
Transfer of pathogens via an object such as bed linings, instruments, furniture, etc.
Indirect Contact
Transfer of pathogens through the mucus membranes of the host via water particles
Droplet Transmission
T or F: Droplet size is less than 5 micrometers
False (more than 5 micrometers)
T or F: Droplet pathogens do not remain suspended in the air
True
Droplet nuclei develop when the fluid evaporates in this type of transmission
Airborne Transmission
T or F: Airborne pathogens remain infective in particles larger than 5 micrometers
False (less than 5 micrometers)
T or F: Airborne pathogens can stay suspended in the air for several hours
True
A transfer via contaminated materials such as food or water
Vehicle
Transmission via insects or animals
Vector-borne
Pathway to which an agent enters a host body through orifices, membranes, or breaks in the skin
Entry Pathway