Surgery Preparation & Assistance Terminology

Question 1

contamination

Answer 1

presence of microorganisms within or on a wound or object

Question 2

infection

Answer 2

condition in which microorganisms in the body or a wound multiply and cause harmful effects

Question 3

four main factors determine if infection occurs

Answer 3

number of microorganisms, virulence of the microorganisms, susceptibility of the animal, route of exposure to the microorganisms

Question 4

antimicrobial

Answer 4

agent or action that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms

Question 5

antisepsis

Answer 5

destruction of most pathogenic microorganisms on animate object

Question 6

antiseptic

Answer 6

chemical agent that is applied topically to inhibit the growth of microorganisms

Question 7

asepsis

Answer 7

prevention of microbial contamination of living tissues or sterile materials by excluding, removing or killing microorganisms

Question 8

autoclave

Answer 8

steam sterilizer consisting of a metal chamber constructed to withstand the pressure that is required to raise the temperature of steam to the level required for sterilization

Question 9

disinfectant

Answer 9

agent that is intended to kill or remove pathogenic microorganisms, with the exception of bacterial spores

Question 10

bactericidal

Answer 10

kills bacteria

Question 11

bacteriostatic

Answer 11

inhibits multiplication of bacteria

Question 12

sporicidal

Answer 12

kills bacterial spores

Question 13

virucidal

Answer 13

kills viruses

Question 14

fungicidal

Answer 14

kills fungi

Question 15

pathogenic

Answer 15

species that is capable of causing disease microorganism in a susceptible host

Question 16

sanitization

Answer 16

process that reduces microbial contamination to a low level by the use of cleaning solutions, hot water or chemical disinfectants

Question 17

sterilant

Answer 17

agent that kills all types of microorganisms

Question 18

sterile

Answer 18

free from microorganisms

Question 19

sterilization

Answer 19

destruction of all microorganisms on a surface or object. usually objects that come in contact with sterile tissue or enter the vascular system