Core Concepts of Nursing Care: Infection

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to infection control in nursing.

Chain of Infection

The sequence of events required for an infection to occur, consisting of six links: Infectious Agent, Reservoir, Mode of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Mode of Entry, and Susceptible Host.

Infectious Agent

Any pathogen such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can cause disease.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of cleanliness that prevents the spread of infection, considered the most effective method.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections that can disrupt native microbiota.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing and equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injury or illness.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Infection control guidelines used to contain and isolate pathogens, based on how they are transmitted.

Environmental Cleaning

The process of removing contaminants from surfaces to prevent the spread of infections.

Standard Precautions

Infection control measures used for all patients, regardless of their infection status, to prevent transmission of infections.

Mode of Entry

The method by which pathogens enter a susceptible host.

Mode of Exit

The way pathogens leave the reservoir or host to infect others.

Medical Asepsis

Protocols that reduce the number of pathogens and prevent their spread during medical procedures.

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique to prevent contamination during surgical procedures.