Quiz 1; Ch. 27 Flashcards
An infection occurs as a result of a cyclic process, consisting of six components, what are these components?
Infectious agent reservoir Portal of exit Means of transmission Portals of entry Susceptible host
What Is an infection?
An infection is a disease state that results from the presence of pathogens in or on the body
What are the most prevalent agents that cause infection?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
How are bacteria classified?
They are categorized by shape as spherical (cocci), Rod shaped (bacilli), or corkscrew shape (spirochete) Bacteria can be categorized as either gram-positive or gram-negative.
Explain the Gram stain
Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall that resists colorization and are stained Violet. However, gram-negative bacteria chemically more complex cell walls and can be decolorize by alcohol. Thus, gram-negative bacteria do not stain. This information is crucial for physicians prescribing the most appropriate antibiotic therapy because antibiotics are classified as specifically effective against only gram positive organisms.
What is a virus?
A virus is the smallest of all microorganisms, visible only with electron microscope.
Can you treat a virus with antibiotics?
No, Antibiotics have no effect on viruses
An organisms potential to produce disease in a person depends on a Variety of factors, including..
Number of organisms
Virulence of the organism, or ability to cause disease
Competence of the persons immune system
Length and intimacy of the contact between the person and the microorganism
What does it mean if a disease is endemic?
A disease that is endemic or occurs with predictability in one specific region of population can appear in a different geographical location
What is a reservoir?
A reservoir for growth and multiplication of microorganisms is the natural habitat of the organism.
What are some examples of reservoirs?
People, animals, soil, food, water, milk, inanimate objects.
Portals of entry/exit
The entry route into the new host is often the same as the exit route from the prior reservoir. The urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts and the skin are common portals of entry/exit
What are the stages of infection?
- Incubation period.
- Prodromal stage
- Full stage of illness
- Convalescent period
What is a vector?
A vector is a mosquito, tick, lice, and nonhuman carriers that transmit organisms from one host to another
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period is the interval between the pathogens invasion of the body and the appearance of symptoms of infection. During this stage, the organisms are growing and multiplying.
What s the prodromal stage?
A person is most infectious during the prodromal stage. Early signs and symptoms of the disease are present, but these are often vague and nonspecific, ranging from fatigue to malaise to a low-grade fever. This period lasts several hours to several days. During this phase the patient often doesnt realize that he or she is contagious.
What is full stage of illness?
The presence of specific signs and symptoms indicate the full stage of illness the type of infection determine the length of illness severity of the manifestation.
What is the convalescent period?
The convalescent period is the recovery period from the infection
What is one of the body first lines of defense against infection?
Normal flora
What is asepsis?
Practice of asepsis includes all activities to present to prevent infection or break the chain of infection. The nurses use aseptic techniques to halt the spread of microorganisms and minimize the threat of infection. There are 2 asepsis categories, medically sepsis and surgical asepsis.
Medical asepsis Vs. surgical asepsis
Medical asepsis, or clean technique, Involves procedures and practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogen.
Surgical asepsis, or sterile technique, Includes practices used to render and keep objects and areas free from microorganisms. Surgical asepsis procedures could include inserting an indwelling urinary catheter
What are the two types of bacteria flora normally found in the hands?
Transient and resident bacteria
Transient bacteria are usually easily removed by thorough handwashing, they have the potential to adjust to the environment Of the skin when they are present in large numbers and over a long period And can become resident bacteria.
What does nosocomial mean?
The term nosocomial is used specifically to indicate something originating or taking place in a hospital. The source of the infection may be either exogenous or endogenous.
Most healthcare associated infections are caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus Faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and klebsiella species. Many of these HAIs can be traced to what?
An invasive device such as a catheter
Urinary tract infections account for 32% of HAIs annually followed by surgical site infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections
