Communicable Disease

This collection of flashcards covers key concepts related to infectious diseases, their transmission, nursing care, and prevention strategies.

Communicable Diseases

Diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another.

Normal Flora

Resident microbes that exist in the body, providing natural immunity against certain infections.

Transient Microbes

Microorganisms that are acquired through interaction with other humans or the environment and can be removed by cleaning.

Body Defenses

The body's systems, including external and immune defenses, that protect against infectious agents.

Pathogenesis

The process by which a pathogen enters the body, multiplies, and causes disease.

Colonization

The presence of an infectious agent without causing injury or symptoms to the host.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity or how harmful a pathogen is.

Infectious Process

The sequence of events that lead to infection, including entry, multiplication, and invasion by pathogens.

Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections that occur while a patient is receiving care in a healthcare facility.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices applied to all patients regardless of their infection status.

Immunization

The process of administering vaccines to stimulate an immune response and provide protection against diseases.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional infection control practices implemented when caring for patients with infectious diseases.

Host

An organism that is infected with or harbors a pathogen.

Reservoir

The natural habitat of a pathogen where it lives and multiplies.

Portal of Entry

The route through which an infectious agent enters a susceptible host.

Mode of Transmission

The method by which an infectious agent is spread from one host to another.

Portal of Exit

The path by which a pathogen leaves its host.

Susceptible Host

A person who is at risk for infection due to a lack of immunity.

Chain of Infection

Six components that must be present for an infection to occur: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Direct Transmission

Transfer of an infectious agent from an infected person to a susceptible host through direct physical contact.

Indirect Transmission

Transfer of an infectious agent via an intermediate object (fomite) or vector.

Stages of Infection

The progression of an infectious disease, typically including incubation, prodromal, illness, decline, and convalescence periods.

Active Immunity

Immunity acquired through exposure to a disease or vaccination, where the body produces its own antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity acquired from another source, such as maternal antibodies or antibody infusions, providing temporary protection.

Contact Precautions

Infection control measures for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment.

Droplet Precautions

Infection control measures for diseases spread through large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Airborne Precautions

Infection control measures for diseases spread through small airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air over distance and time.