Test 2 Flashcards
(145 cards)
Why reduce the spread of germs?
- germs are present everywhere
- some cause illness
- protect resident and self
- germs that cause little discomfort to us may kill our residents!
Infection prevention
the set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease
Microorganism
a living thing that is so small that is only visible under a microscope
Microbe
another name for a microorganism
Infection
occur when pathogens invade the body and multiply
pathgen
harmful microorganisms
localized infection
infection that is limited to a specific location in the body
Systemic infection
affects the entire body
Healthcare-associated infection
in infection acquired in a healthcare setting during the delivery of medical care.
- can be local or systemic
chain of infection
a way of describing how disease of transmitted from one human being to another
List the order of the chain of infection
- Causative Agent
- Reservoir
- Portal of Exit
- Mode of Transmission
- Portal of Entry
- Susceptible Host
Causative agent
a pathogenic microorganism that causes disease
Reservoir
Where the pathogen lives and multiplies
Portal of Exit
any body opening on an infected person that allows pathogens to leave
- nose, mouth, eyes, cut
Mode of transmission
describes how the pathogen travels
- can travel through air or direct/indirect contact
Direct contact
touching the infected person or his secretions
Indirect Contact
results from touching an object contaminated by the infected person
What is the primary route of disease transmission within the healthcare setting
hands of healthcare workers
portal of entry
any body opening on an uninfected person that allows pathogens to enter
mucous membranes
the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body
Susceptible host
uninfected person who can become ill
Transmission
passage or transfer
How can transmission of most infectious diseases be blocked?
proper prevention practices, such as hand washing
Medical Apesis
measures used to reduce and prevent the spread of pathogens; used in all healthcare settings