Infection Control & Microorganisms Study Guide

Flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to infection control, wound healing, patient care, and safety protocols in the healthcare environment.

Chain of Infection

A model that explains the process of infection and transmission through infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity or ability of an organism to cause disease.

Stages of Infection

The four phases of infection: Incubation, Prodromal, Illness, and Convalescence; the most infectious stage is typically the Illness phase.

Healthcare-associated Infections

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, examples include CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, MRSA, and MDROs.

Fomites

Inanimate objects or surfaces that can carry infectious organisms, such as doorknobs or medical equipment.

Direct Transmission

The direct transfer of an infectious agent from one person to another.

Airborne Precautions

Precautions taken to prevent the spread of pathogens through the air, requiring the use of N95 masks or negative pressure rooms.

Medical Asepsis

A clean technique used to reduce the number of microorganisms.

Surgical Asepsis

A sterile technique aimed at eliminating all microorganisms to maintain sterility.

Wound Healing Phases

The stages of wound healing including Hemostasis, Inflammatory phase, Proliferative phase, and Maturation/remodeling phase.

Debridement

The process of removing dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve healing.

Jackson-Pratt Drain

A surgical drain that uses suction to remove fluids from the body postoperatively.

Pressure Injury Stages

Classifications of pressure injuries from Stage I (non-blanchable redness) to Stage IV (full thickness tissue loss).

Cold Therapy

A method used to decrease inflammation and provide pain control.

RACE Steps

An acronym for emergency fire response procedures: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate.

Physical Restraints

Methods of restricting a patient's movement using physical devices.

Urinary Catheter Care

Practices that ensure proper maintenance and hygiene to prevent infection related to catheter use.

Safe Sleep Positioning

Placing infants on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Food Safety Practices

Hygiene and handling practices that prevent food-borne illnesses and ensure safe food preparation.