Infection - CCC1

What is an infection?

The invasion of harmful pathogens into the body’s tissues$

What types of pathogens cause infection?

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi$

How do pathogens harm the body?

They cause damage to body cells$

How does the immune system respond to infection?

By increasing white blood cells to fight the pathogen$

What is droplet transmission?

Spread of microorganisms through respiratory droplets$

What PPE is required for droplet precautions?

Surgical mask$

Why are masks used for droplet transmission?

To prevent inhalation of infectious droplets$

What is airborne transmission?

Spread of microorganisms that remain suspended in the air$

Which diseases require airborne precautions?

Tuberculosis and measles$

What type of room is required for airborne isolation?

Negative-pressure room$

What PPE is required for airborne precautions?

N95 respirator or PAPR$

What is direct contact transmission?

Physical contact with infected bodily fluids$

What is indirect contact transmission?

Touching objects contaminated with infected bodily fluids$

What is waterborne transmission?

Infection spread through contaminated water$

What is foodborne transmission?

Infection spread through contaminated food$

What is vector-borne transmission?

Infection spread by infected animals or insects$

Which vectors commonly transmit infection?

Mosquitoes and ticks$

What is the incubation stage of infection?

The first stage where the client is exposed but has no symptoms$

What may occur during the incubation stage?

Lab or diagnostic changes without symptoms$

What is the prodromal stage of infection?

Stage with nonspecific symptoms$

What symptoms occur in the prodromal stage?

Fever, body aches, fatigue, poor appetite$

What is the illness stage of infection?

Stage where specific symptoms appear and infection is most severe$

What is the period of decline in infection?

Stage where symptoms begin to subside$

What is the convalescence stage?

Recovery stage where the client returns to baseline or new baseline health$

What is the normal white blood cell count?

4,500–10,500/mm³$

What does an elevated WBC count indicate?

Infection or inflammation$

What does a low WBC count indicate?

Increased risk for infection$

What is a differential WBC count?

A breakdown of individual white blood cell types$

What is the role of neutrophils?

Kill bacteria, fungi, and foreign debris$

What do increased bands indicate?

Active infection$

What is the role of monocytes?

Clean up damaged cells and debris$

What is the role of eosinophils?

Fight parasites and participate in allergic responses$

What is the role of lymphocytes?

Fight viral infections and produce antibodies$

What is the role of basophils?

Involved in allergic and inflammatory responses$

Which inflammatory markers are elevated during infection?

ESR, CRP, and Procalcitonin$

What is the purpose of cultures?

To identify the source and cause of infection$

What types of cultures are commonly obtained?

Blood, wound, stool, sputum, and urine$

What is the most effective way to prevent infection?

Hand hygiene$

Why is cleaning and disinfecting important?

It reduces the spread of microorganisms$

How do vaccines prevent infection?

By building immunity to specific pathogens$

Why is PPE important in infection prevention?

It creates a barrier between pathogens and the body$

What is injection safety?

Using aseptic technique and never reusing needles or syringes$