NUR118 - Infection Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts of infection, transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention, diagnostics, and interventions from NUR118.

Six links in the chain of infection

Infectious agent; reservoir; portal of exit; mode of transmission; portal of entry; susceptible host.

Infectious agent

A microorganism capable of causing disease.

Reservoir

The place where an infectious organism lives and grows.

Portal of exit

The route by which a pathogen leaves its reservoir.

Mode of transmission

The way an infectious organism spreads from one source or person to another.

Portal of entry

The route by which a pathogen enters a new host.

Susceptible host

A person who is vulnerable to infection.

Pathogenic invasion

A pathogen enters the body, multiplies, invades tissues, and may cause damage and an immune response.

Stages of infection

Incubation; prodromal; illness; decline; convalescence.

Incubation period

The time between exposure to a pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.

Prodromal stage

The stage when early, vague symptoms begin.

Illness stage

The stage when signs and symptoms are most severe.

Decline stage

The stage when symptoms begin to decrease.

Convalescence

The recovery period when the body returns toward normal health.

Bacterial infection

An infection caused by bacteria.

Viral infection

An infection caused by a virus.

Fungal infection

An infection caused by fungi.

Protozoal/parasitic infection

An infection caused by protozoa or parasites.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms that may cause tissue damage or disease.

Inflammation

The body's protective response to injury or infection.

Five classic signs of inflammation

Redness; heat; swelling; pain; loss of function.

Asepsis

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms.

Medical asepsis

Clean technique used to reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.

Surgical asepsis

Sterile technique used to eliminate microorganisms from an area or object.

Communicable disease

An infection that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Colonization

The presence and growth of microorganisms without causing symptoms or disease.

Contamination

The presence of microorganisms on an object, surface, or person.

Populations at increased risk for infection

Infants; older adults; immunocompromised individuals; people with chronic illnesses.

Immunodeficiency

A decreased ability of the immune system to fight infection.

How chronic illness increases infection risk

It can weaken body defenses and impair healing.

Environmental risk factors for infection

Poor sanitation; contaminated food or water; overcrowding; poor hygiene; exposure to infectious organisms.

HAI

Healthcare-associated infection acquired while receiving healthcare.

Drug-resistant infection

An infection caused by microorganisms resistant to one or more antimicrobial medications.

Local signs of infection

Redness; warmth; swelling; pain/tenderness; drainage.

Systemic signs of infection

Fever; chills; fatigue; increased heart rate; increased respiratory rate; abnormal WBC count.

Leukocytosis

An increased white blood cell count.

Nursing actions for infection

Monitor vital signs and symptoms; promote fluids and nutrition; administer prescribed medications; use hygiene, aseptic technique, and isolation precautions.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

MRSA transmission

Primarily direct or indirect contact.

MRSA precautions

Contact precautions and appropriate hand hygiene.

C. difficile

An infection that can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the colon.

Major symptom of C. difficile

Frequent watery diarrhea.

C. difficile transmission

Spores spread by the fecal-oral route.

C. difficile precautions

Contact precautions.

Hand hygiene for C. difficile

Soap and water is especially important because spores are difficult to remove with alcohol-based sanitizer alone.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.

VRE transmission

Contact with an infected/colonized person or contaminated surfaces.

VRE precautions

Contact precautions and proper hand hygiene.

Physical manifestations used to assess infection

Findings such as fever, redness, swelling, warmth, pain, drainage, cough, or diarrhea depending on the infection.

CBC

Complete blood count; includes measurement of white blood cells.

Why WBC is important

An abnormal WBC count can indicate an immune response or possible infection.

WBC differential

A test measuring the different types of white blood cells.

Culture

A test used to identify microorganisms causing an infection.

Culture and sensitivity

Identifies the organism and helps determine which antimicrobial medications may be effective.

CRP

C-reactive protein; a blood test that can indicate inflammation.

ESR

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate; a test that can help detect inflammation.

Nasal swab testing

May be used to detect certain organisms, such as MRSA colonization.

Serologic tests

Tests used to detect antibodies or antigens associated with specific infections.

X-ray

Imaging that can help identify changes caused by infection, such as pneumonia.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging; provides detailed images of soft tissues and organs.

CT/CAT scan

Computed tomography; provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

PET scan

Positron emission tomography; identifies areas of abnormal metabolic activity.

Hygienic/aseptic measures

Practices that reduce the spread of microorganisms, including hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, and proper technique.

Antimicrobials

Medications that kill or inhibit microorganisms.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections.

Antivirals

Medications used to treat certain viral infections.

Antifungals

Medications used to treat fungal infections.

Standard Precautions

Infection-prevention practices used for the care of all patients.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional precautions for patients known or suspected to have infections spread by contact, droplets, or airborne transmission.

Three categories of Transmission-Based Precautions

Contact; Droplet; Airborne.

Primary prevention

Actions taken to prevent disease or infection before it occurs.

Examples of primary prevention

Vaccination; hand hygiene; healthy practices; infection-control measures.

Secondary prevention

Early detection and treatment to prevent complications.

Examples of secondary prevention

Screening; early testing; early treatment.

Vaccination

Stimulates the immune system to develop protection against specific diseases.

Herd immunity

When enough people in a population are immune, reducing the ability of a disease to spread.

Importance of intact skin

Intact skin acts as a barrier that helps prevent microorganisms from entering the body.

TB screening

Helps identify possible tuberculosis infection and protect patients and healthcare workers.

Tertiary prevention

Actions taken to reduce complications and improve function after disease or injury has occurred.

Collaborative interventions for infection

Antimicrobial/antiviral therapy; rest and comfort; nutritional support and fluids; environmental disinfection; PPE and isolation precautions.

Why rest is important during infection

It helps conserve energy and supports recovery.

Nutrition important during infection

The body needs nutrients and energy to support immune function and healing.

Nutrients listed for recovery

Protein; vitamins A and C; zinc.

Environmental disinfection

Reduces microorganisms on surfaces and helps decrease transmission.

PPE and isolation precautions

Help protect patients, healthcare workers, and others from the spread of infectious organisms.