Introduction to Infection Control and Nursing Practices Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover the key terms regarding infection control, stages of infection, transmission precautions, and hospital protocols as discussed in the lecture.

Sterile Field

A specified area that is considered free from all microorganisms, which students learn to maintain during lab.

Aseptic

A technique or environment that is free from pathogenic microorganisms to prevent infection.

Infection Cycle

The process by which an infection develops, involving agents such as bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasites.

Antibiotic Resistance

A condition where bacteria find new ways to avoid the effects of antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.

Pandemic

An infectious disease outbreak that occurs worldwide, such as the one noted approximately three years ago.

Endemic

A virus or disease that occurs in one specific region or population and is somewhat contained, such as the common flu.

Epidemic

A sudden outbreak of a disease that spreads rapidly, such as the $H1N1$ flu in $2009$.

Incubation Period

The stage of infection during which the organism is growing within the host.

Prodromal Stage

The stage where the patient is most infectious and exhibits nonspecific signs of illness.

Convalescent Period

The stage of infection characterized by the recovery of the patient.

Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI)

An infection obtained by a patient while in a hospital, which can affect the hospital's quality index and payment.

Leukocytosis

A condition indicated by a white blood cell count above the normal range, such as a count of $12,000$, signaling infection.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

A laboratory data value that indicates infection when elevated; normal ranges are $0$ to $22$ for men and $0$ to $29$ for women.

Tachycardia

A vital sign change, specifically an increased heart rate, that can occur when a patient has an infection.

Donning

The procedure of putting on personal protective equipment (PPE) or sterile gloves.

Doffing

The procedure of taking off personal protective equipment (PPE).

C. Diff (Clostridioides difficile)

A bacterium reclassified from Clostridium difficile that causes colon infections and requires hand washing with soap and water.

A. baumannii (Acinetobacter baumannii)

A type of bacteria found in soil and water that can cause infections of the blood or urinary tract and is often resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Colonization

When an organism is found on the body but is not causing any symptoms of disease, though it can lead to infection.

CRAB

Carbapenem-resistant $A. baumannii$, which is a highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria with few treatment options.

Droplet Transmission

Transmission via particles larger than $5$ micrometers that fall quickly and typically travel $3$ to $6$ feet.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission via smaller particles that stay suspended in the air and can travel far, such as Tuberculosis or Chickenpox.