Fundamentals of Radiology - Key Terms Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering sterilization, disinfection, infection control, pathogens, hospital policies, patient rights, safety data, and related topics from the lecture notes.

Sterility duration for cloth or paper wrapping

Usually 30 days.

Sterility duration for items sealed in plastic

Typically 6–12 months.

Commercially packaged sterile items

Remain sterile until the seal is broken.

Sterile packaging requirements

Items must be wrapped completely; indicator tape inside and outside.

Opening a sterile package

Must be able to open without contaminating the contents.

Sterile items expiration date

Packages must have an expiration date.

Rotation of sterile items

Rotate inventory to ensure use before expiration.

Disinfection

Elimination of microorganisms from surfaces by physical or chemical means.

Dry heat sterilization

Sterilization using dry heat; high temperatures; rarely used.

Gas plasma sterilization

Low-temperature sterilization using plasma (often from hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid); fast and non-toxic.

Cidex (glutaraldehyde)

Chemical sterilant/disinfectant; 2% activated, buffered alkaline glutaraldehyde; requires long immersion (often 10+ hours) for complete effect.

Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization

Gas sterilization for heat/moisture-sensitive items; must aerate; complex and time-consuming; safety considerations include explosive risk.

Paper indicators

Indicators used to judge that sterilization was completed.

Steam sterilization (autoclave)

Steam under pressure (about 15 psi) for ~15 minutes; high-temperature, moist heat effective for many items.

Chemical vs. physical disinfection/sterilization

Disinfection reduces microorganisms on surfaces; sterilization eliminates all microorganisms and spores.

Direct contact infection

Transmission by touching body fluids (person to person).

Indirect contact infection (fomites)

Transmission via inanimate objects contaminated by an infected person.

Cycle of Infection (basic steps)

Encounter, Entry, Spread, Multiplication (incubation), Damage/Outcome.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms (often parasitic) that can affect GI tract, GU tract, and circulatory system (examples: malaria, toxoplasmosis, trichomonas).

Viruses

Smallest organisms that require a host cell to reproduce; possess RNA or DNA; immune responses important; examples include influenza, common cold, measles, mumps, rubella, polio.

Bacteria (basic shapes)

One-celled organisms classified by morphology: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rods), spirilla (spiral); identified by Gram staining.

Fungi

Yeasts reproduce by budding; molds produce spores; some are resistant to heat and drying; antibiotics can affect normal bacterial flora.

Neutropenic patient

Immunocompromised patient (low neutrophil count), e.g., leukemia or bone marrow transplant recipients.

Nosocomial infection

Hospital-acquired infection; often involves resistant organisms (e.g., MRSA, VISA/VRSA).

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; resistant to common antibiotics; often hospital-acquired.

VISA/VRSA

Vancomycin-intermediate/resistant Staphylococcus aureus; resistant to vancomycin in varying degrees.

Norovirus

Group of viruses causing gastroenteritis; highly contagious; not treatable with antibiotics.

Droplet transmission diseases

Infections spread by droplets (e.g., meningitis, whooping cough, mumps, rubella) traveling short distances.

Airborne transmission diseases

Infections spread through small particles that can stay suspended (e.g., tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles).

Lines of defense (immunity)

Natural (innate) defenses and artificial (acquired) immunity, including vaccines; maternal antibodies and breast milk provide passive protection.

C-arm sterile field precautions

C-arm must be covered with a sterile drape; the sterile field must not be contaminated; sterile corridor for instrument handling.

Surgical asepsis

Complete removal of microorganisms and spores from a surface or item.

Norovirus (gastroenteritis) characteristics

Highly contagious; rapid spread; primarily affects gastroenteritis; cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Requisition form content

Patient name, date/time of exam, birthdate, clinical data, mode of transportation, station/room, etc.

How long radiographs are kept

Typically 5–7 years; digital images may be kept indefinitely.

Five patient rights

Right to considerate care; right to information; informed consent; right to privacy; right to refuse treatment.

JRCERT

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; accrediting body for radiologic programs.

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets; information on hazardous substances, risks, and handling in the workplace.

Res ipsa loquitur

“The thing speaks for itself”; a principle in negligence where the evidence implies negligence.

Respondent superior

Employer is responsible for the actions of employees in the course of employment.

Negligence vs. malpractice

Negligence: failure to provide reasonable care; Malpractice: negligence by a professional; may lead to professional discipline.

Disciplinary actions (licensing)

Reprimand, suspension, and revocation of licenses or certifications for professional violations.

Communication with speech/hearing impairment

Use pantomime or an interpreter to facilitate understanding.

Paralanguage

Nonverbal cues (pitch, tone, rate, volume) that convey attitude.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization (plus later additions).

Kubler-Ross five stages of grief

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

RACE procedure

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate (emergency response protocol).

Droplet vs. airborne precaution examples

Droplet: meningitis, whooping cough, mumps, rubella; Airborne: TB, measles, varicella (chickenpox).

Sterility duration for cloth or paper wrapping

Usually 30 days.

Sterility duration for items sealed in plastic

Typically 6–12 months.

Commercially packaged sterile items

Remain sterile until the seal is broken.

Sterile packaging requirements

Items must be wrapped completely; indicator tape inside and outside.

Opening a sterile package

Must be able to open without contaminating the contents.

Sterile items expiration date

Packages must have an expiration date.

Rotation of sterile items

Rotate inventory to ensure use before expiration.

Disinfection

Elimination of microorganisms from surfaces by physical or chemical means.

Dry heat sterilization

Sterilization using dry heat; high temperatures; rarely used.

Gas plasma sterilization

Low-temperature sterilization using plasma (often from hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid); fast and non-toxic.

Cidex (glutaraldehyde)

Chemical sterilant/disinfectant; 2% activated, buffered alkaline glutaraldehyde; requires long immersion (often 10+ hours) for complete effect.

Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization

Gas sterilization for heat/moisture-sensitive items; must aerate; complex and time-consuming; safety considerations include explosive risk.

Paper indicators

Indicators used to judge that sterilization was completed.

Steam sterilization (autoclave)

Steam under pressure (about 15 psi) for ~15 minutes; high-temperature, moist heat effective for many items.

Chemical vs. physical disinfection/sterilization

Disinfection reduces microorganisms on surfaces; sterilization eliminates all microorganisms and spores.

Direct contact infection

Transmission by touching body fluids (person to person).

Indirect contact infection (fomites)

Transmission via inanimate objects contaminated by an infected person.

Cycle of Infection (basic steps)

Encounter, Entry, Spread, Multiplication (incubation), Damage/Outcome.

Protozoa

Single-celled organisms (often parasitic) that can affect GI tract, GU tract, and circulatory system (examples: malaria, toxoplasmosis, trichomonas).

Viruses

Smallest organisms that require a host cell to reproduce; possess RNA or DNA; immune responses important; examples include influenza, common cold, measles, mumps, rubella, polio.

Bacteria (basic shapes)

One-celled organisms classified by morphology: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rods), spirilla (spiral); identified by Gram staining.

Fungi

Yeasts reproduce by budding; molds produce spores; some are resistant to heat and drying; antibiotics can affect normal bacterial flora.

Neutropenic patient

Immunocompromised patient (low neutrophil count), e.g., leukemia or bone marrow transplant recipients.

Nosocomial infection

Hospital-acquired infection; often involves resistant organisms (e.g., MRSA, VISA/VRSA).

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; resistant to common antibiotics; often hospital-acquired.

VISA/VRSA

Vancomycin-intermediate/resistant Staphylococcus aureus; resistant to vancomycin in varying degrees.

Norovirus

Group of viruses causing gastroenteritis; highly contagious; not treatable with antibiotics.

Droplet transmission diseases

Infections spread by droplets (e.g., meningitis, whooping cough, mumps, rubella) traveling short distances.

Airborne transmission diseases

Infections spread through small particles that can stay suspended (e.g., tuberculosis, chickenpox, measles).

Lines of defense (immunity)

Natural (innate) defenses and artificial (acquired) immunity, including vaccines; maternal antibodies and breast milk provide passive protection.

C-arm sterile field precautions

C-arm must be covered with a sterile drape; the sterile field must not be contaminated; sterile corridor for instrument handling.

Surgical asepsis

Complete removal of microorganisms and spores from a surface or item.

Norovirus (gastroenteritis) characteristics

Highly contagious; rapid spread; primarily affects gastroenteritis; cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Requisition form content

Patient name, date/time of exam, birthdate, clinical data, mode of transportation, station/room, etc.

How long radiographs are kept

Typically 5–7 years; digital images may be kept indefinitely.

Five patient rights

Right to considerate care; right to information; informed consent; right to privacy; right to refuse treatment.

JRCERT

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; accrediting body for radiologic programs.

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets; information on hazardous substances, risks, and handling in the workplace.

Res ipsa loquitur

“The thing speaks for itself”; a principle in negligence where the evidence implies negligence.

Respondent superior

Employer is responsible for the actions of employees in the course of employment.

Negligence vs. malpractice

Negligence: failure to provide reasonable care; Malpractice: negligence by a professional; may lead to professional discipline.

Disciplinary actions (licensing)

Reprimand, suspension, and revocation of licenses or certifications for professional violations.

Communication with speech/hearing impairment

Use pantomime or an interpreter to facilitate understanding.

Paralanguage

Nonverbal cues (pitch, tone, rate, volume) that convey attitude.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization (plus later additions).

Kubler-Ross five stages of grief

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

RACE procedure

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Evacuate (emergency response protocol).

Droplet vs. airborne precaution examples

Droplet: meningitis, whooping cough, mumps, rubella; Airborne: TB, measles, varicella (chickenpox).

Fomite

An inanimate object (e.g., clothing, medical equipment, hospital surfaces) that, if contaminated with infectious organisms, can transfer disease to a new host.

Medical Asepsis

Reduction in numbers of infectious agents and likelihood of transmission, but not necessarily their complete elimination; also known as 'clean technique'.

Purpose of Gram Staining

A differential staining method used to classify bacteria into two main groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) based on their cell wall composition, aiding in identification and treatment.

Why aeration is critical after ETO sterilization

Aeration is required to remove residual ethylene oxide gas, which is toxic and a known carcinogen, from sterilized items before they can be safely handled or used.