Unit 3 Flashcards
Aerobic bacteria
microorganisms that require oxygen to live
Anaerobic bacteria
microorganisms that exist without oxygen
Antimicrobial agents
are chemicals that destroy or suppress the growth of infectious microorganisms
Antiseptics
chemicals such as alcohol that inhibit the growth of, but do not kill, microorganisms
Asepsis
practices that decrease or eliminate infectious agents, their reservoirs, and vehicles for transmission
aseptic techniques
measures that reduce or eliminate microorganisms
biologic defense mechanisms
anatomic or physiologic methods that stop microorganisms from causing an infectious disorder
broad-spectrum antibiotics
those prescribed to eliminate a wide range of bacteria
Carriers
asymptomatic clients or animals who harbor pathogens but do not show evidence of an infectious disease
chain of infection
the sequence that enables the spread of disease-producing microorganisms
communicable diseases
diseases that can be transmitted to other people
Community-acquired infections
infections that are not present or incubating prior to care provided by health care
Concurrent disinfection
measures that keep the client environment clean on a daily basis
Contagious diseases
diseases that can spread rapidly among individuals in close proximity to each other
Disinfectants
chemicals that destroy active microorganisms but not spores
exit route
is how microorganisms escape from the original reservoir
fomites.
Nonliving reservoirs are called…
Hand antisepsis
means the removal and destruction of transient microorganisms without soap and water. It involves products such as alcohol-based liquids, thick gels, and foams
Hand hygiene
refers to removing surface contaminants on the skin by either hand washing or hand antisepsis
Hand washing
is a medical aseptic practice that involves cleaning the hands with soap, water, and friction to mechanically remove dirt and organic substances
health care–associated infections
infections acquired while a person is receiving care in a health care agency
means of transmission
is how infectious microorganisms move to other locations.
contact, droplet, airborne, vehicle, and vector
Medical asepsis
practices that confine or reduce the numbers of microorganisms
Microorganisms
living animals or plants visible only through a microscope, are commonly called “microbes” or “germs
Nonpathogens
normal flora (harmless, beneficial microorganisms
opportunistic infections
infectious disorders among people with compromised health
pathogens
microorganisms that cause illness
portal of entry
is where microorganisms find their way onto or into a new host
reservoir
is a place where microbes grow and reproduce, providing a haven for their survival
resident microorganisms
generally, nonpathogens constantly present on the skin
spore
is a temporarily inactive microbial life form that can resist heat and destructive chemicals and can survive without moisture
Sterile field
work area free of microorganisms
Sterile techniques
include practices that avoid contaminating microbe-free items
Sterilization
consists of physical and chemical techniques that destroy all microorganisms, including spores
Surgical asepsis
refers to those measures that render supplies and equipment totally free of microorganisms
Surgical hand antisepsis
previously referred to as a surgical scrub, is a medically aseptic hand hygiene procedure that is performed before donning sterile gloves and garments when the nurse is actively involved in an operative or obstetric procedure
susceptible host
the last link in the chain of infection, is one whose biologic defense mechanisms are weakened in some way
Terminal disinfection
is more thorough than concurrent disinfection and consists of measures used to clean a client’s environment after discharge
transient microorganisms
pathogens picked up during brief contact with contaminated reservoirs
viral load
the number of viral copies
Viral replication
multiplication or copying of viruses
virulence
the ability to overcome the immune system
Airborne precautions
infection control measures that reduce the risk for transmitting pathogens that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air
colonization
a condition in which microorganisms are present, but the host does not manifest any signs or symptoms of infection
communicable diseases
when they are transmitted from one source to another by infectious bacteria or viral organisms
community-acquired infections
those that are not present or incubating prior to care provided by health care providers
Contact precautions
are measures used to block the transmission of pathogens by direct or indirect contact
Contagious diseases
are communicable diseases that can spread rapidly among individuals in close proximity to each other
Double bagging
is an infection control measure in which one bag of contaminated items, such as trash or laundry, is placed within another
Droplet precautions
measures that block transmission of infectious pathogens within moist droplets larger than 5 microns that are present in respiratory secretions or mucous membranes
health care–associated infections (HCAIs)
that are acquired within a health care facility
hyperendemic infections
infections that are highly infectious in all age groups
Infection
is a condition that results when microorganisms cause injury to a host
Infection control precautions
are physical measures designed to curtail the spread of infectious diseases
Infectious diseases
are spread by pathogens or toxins among susceptible individuals
N95 respirator
which is individually fitted for each caregiver, can filter particles 1 micron (smaller than a millimeter) with an efficiency of 95% or more, provided the device fits the face snugly
personal protective equipment (PPE)
like garments that block the transfer of pathogens from one person, place, or object to oneself or others; and safe injection practices
powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
is an alternative if a caregiver has not been fitted with an N95 respirator or has facial hair or a facial deformity that prevents a tight seal with an N95 respirator
Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
refers to infection control measures used at the first point of an encounter with clients, family, or friends of persons with signs of illness suggesting an undiagnosed transmissible respiratory infection
Safe injection practices
infection control measures that prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens through the use of aseptic techniques involving the preparation and administration of parenteral medications
Standard precautions
infection control measures for reducing the risk of transmission among all clients, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status
Transmission-based precautions
measures for controlling the spread of highly transmissible or epidemiologically important infectious agents from clients when the known or suspected route(s) of transmission is (are) not completely interrupted using standard precautions alone
24-hour specimen
a collection of all urine produced in a full 24-hour period
Anuria
means the absence of urine or a volume of 100 mL or less in 24 hours