Comp Review: Week 1 Part 3

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards related to infection control, disinfection, sterilization, medical aseptic techniques, and safety precautions in healthcare.

Disinfection

Eliminates most pathogenic organisms on medical equipment but does not eliminate bacterial spores.

Sterilization

Completely destroys all organisms and spores on medical equipment.

Low-level disinfectants

Kill most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses within 10 minutes.

Intermediate-level disinfectants

Kill mycobacteria, all vegetative bacteria, most viruses, and most fungi, but not bacterial spores.

High-level disinfectants

Can kill all microorganisms and some spores, but not large amounts of bacterial spores.

Medical aseptic technique

Any practice that prevents the transfer of microorganisms from one person to another, used to reduce spread of nosocomial infections.

Sterile technique

Involves precautionary steps in patient care to reduce exposure to microorganisms, including the use of sterile fields and instruments.

Standard precautions

A set of practices to prevent transmission of infections in healthcare settings, includes hand hygiene and the use of PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

Nosocomial infections

Infections acquired within a healthcare setting.

Contact precautions

Precautions taken to prevent the spread of infections through direct or indirect contact.

Droplet precautions

Wearing a mask to protect against infections spread through droplets in the air.

Airborne precautions

Wearing a fitted N95 mask when dealing with airborne infectious diseases.

Reverse isolation

A protective isolation procedure that protects immunocompromised patients from potential infections.

Needlestick safety

Practices to prevent injuries from needles and other sharp instruments.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Documents that provide information on the properties of chemicals and how to handle them safely.

Chemotherapy precautions

Special handling procedures while preparing and administering chemotherapy drugs to avoid contamination.

Extravasation

Leakage of medication from the vein into surrounding tissues.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the vein, often occurring after IV catheter use.

Mild allergic reactions

Localized urticaria, pruritus, or mild physiological responses to contrast media.

Moderate allergic reactions

More widespread urticaria and may require medical intervention.

Severe allergic reactions

Life-threatening responses including respiratory distress and hypotension.

Emergency response kit

Basic equipment and medications needed to treat allergic reactions to contrast media.

Hand hygiene

The practice of cleaning hands to prevent the spread of infections.

Bactericidal agents

Substances that kill bacteria.

Bacteriostatic agents

Substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Ultraviolet radiation

A disinfectant method using UV light to kill microorganisms.

Germicides

Substances used to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

Antiseptic technique

A method used to prevent contamination by pathogens.

Cleaning vs. Disinfection

Cleaning removes dirt and impurities; disinfection destroys or inactivates infectious microorganisms.

Surgical scrub

A specific handwashing technique used before sterile procedures.

Puncture-resistant containers

Containers designed to safely dispose of sharps and prevent injury.

Laboratory values

Test results that provide information on a patient's health status.

Creatinine

A waste product measured to assess kidney function.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

A test measuring the amount of urea nitrogen in blood to assess kidney function.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

A test estimating how well kidneys filter blood.

Contrast agents

Substances used to enhance imaging during medical procedures.

Iodine-based agents

Common positive contrast agents used in imaging, can be ionic or non-ionic.

Gadolinium-based agents

Contrast agents used mainly for MRI, made from rare earth metals.

Barium-sulfate compounds

Contrast agents taken orally or rectally, used to enhance imaging of the GI tract.

Chemotherapy drugs

Medications used to treat cancer, requiring special handling precautions.

Toxic materials handling

Procedures for safely managing hazardous materials and minimizing exposure.

Biohazard bags

Specialized bags for safely disposing of contaminated materials.

Fluid penetration protection

The capability of PPE materials to prevent fluids from reaching skin.

Compartment syndrome

Severe complication arising from pressure buildup in muscle compartments, can occur from extravasation.

PPE doffing

Taking off personal protective equipment in a designated order to reduce contamination risk.

Patient screening

Assessment of patient history to determine suitability for certain treatments or procedures.

Isolation precautions

Guidelines followed to protect patients from infections by isolating them and using appropriate precautions.

Biosafety levels

Categories defining the degree of containment required to protect people from infectious agents.

Hazard communication

Policies that inform employees of hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to.

Disinfectant concentration

The amount of active substance in a disinfectant solution, affecting its effectiveness.

Chemical exposure standards

Regulations set to limit exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace.

Safe handling guidelines

Best practices for managing and disposing of medical waste and biohazard materials.

Invasive procedure

Medical procedures that involve entering the body, which require sterile techniques.

Single-use equipment

Items intended for one-time use to prevent infection transmission.

Detergents

Cleaning agents used to remove dirt, grease, and contaminants before disinfection.

Enzymatic cleaners

Specialized cleaning agents that break down organic materials.

Healthcare-associated infections

Infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions.

Injection flow rate

The speed at which a contrast medium is administered during imaging.

Patient age considerations

Factors accounting for how patient characteristics influence medication reactions.

Patient weight considerations

How a patient's body weight affects medication dosing and imaging quality.

Controlled substances

Drugs that have restrictions due to potential for abuse or dependence.

Clinical pathways

Standardized plans of care for specific conditions to improve outcomes.

Quality assurance

Procedures to ensure services meet specific standards and quality.

Professional organizations

Entities that provide guidelines and standards for medical practice.

Patient safety protocols

Guidelines designed to keep patients safe during healthcare delivery.

Infection control policies

Formal procedures established in healthcare settings to manage and prevent infections.

Reprocessing contaminated equipment

The steps taken to clean, disinfect, or sterilize medical tools before reuse.

Workplace safety regulations

Laws and guidelines that ensure safe conditions for healthcare workers.

Emergency preparedness

Planning and training for unexpected events that could threaten patient safety.

Biohazard waste disposal

Proper management and disposal of materials that are harmful to health.

Sterilization monitoring

Methods to ensure sterilization processes are effective and meet required standards.

Environmental cleaning protocols

Procedures to maintain cleanliness in healthcare facilities to prevent infections.

Patient confidentiality regulations

Laws protecting patients' health information from unauthorized disclosure.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)

Infections patients acquire during their stay in a hospital facility.

Surgical instruments handling

Precautions and protocols for using and maintaining instruments in surgery.

Infusion reactions

Adverse effects that may occur during intravenous administration of medications.

Anaphylaxis protocol

Emergency procedures to follow in the case of severe allergic reactions.

Antimicrobial stewardship

Efforts to manage antibiotic use to combat resistance.

Patient education

Informing patients about their conditions, treatments, and self-care.

Immunization requirements

Vaccination protocols necessary for protecting specific populations.

Infection prevention measures

Strategies to reduce the risk of infection transmission in healthcare settings.

Health care-associated pathogens

Microorganisms responsible for infections acquired in health care settings.

Proper use of gloves

Guidelines on when and how to wear gloves to prevent contamination.

Regulatory compliance

Adhering to laws and guidelines in healthcare practices.

Retraining healthcare staff

Ongoing education for medical staff to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Radiation safety measures

Protocols to protect healthcare workers and patients from excessive radiation exposure.

Surgical site infection (SSI) prevention

Strategies to minimize the risk of infections at surgical incisions.

Environmental risk assessments

Evaluating potential hazards in healthcare settings to improve safety.

Proper donning of PPE

Following correct order and methods to put on personal protective equipment.

Waste management protocols

Plans for the disposal of hazardous and infectious waste in healthcare.

Microbial resistance awareness

Understanding the factors that contribute to the development of resistant strains.

Corrective action plans

Actions taken to address deficiencies in infection control practices.

Surveillance for HAIs

Monitoring for rates of infections acquired within healthcare facilities.

Isolation settings

Environmental arrangements made to separate infected patients from others.

Healthcare-associated infection risk factors

Elements that increase the likelihood of acquiring infections in healthcare.

Patient discharge planning

Preparing patients for safe transition out of healthcare settings.

Clinical audits

Reviewing care processes to ensure they meet professional standards.

Documentation of patient care

Recording actions taken during treatment to ensure continuity and quality.

Crisis communication protocols

Guidelines for effectively communicating during emergency healthcare situations.