Infection Concepts for Nursing Practice

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to infection concepts for nursing practice.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be unapparent or result in local cellular injury.

Localized infection

An infection limited to a specific body area.

Systemic infection

An infection that affects the body as a whole or has spread throughout the body.

Sepsis

A type of systemic infection characterized by the presence of pathogens in the blood or other tissues throughout the body.

Epidemic

A situation in which there are more cases of an infectious disease than is normal for the population.

Pandemic

A worldwide epidemic of a disease.

Virulence

The ability of a pathogen to cause disease.

Communicability

The ability of a disease to be transmitted from one individual to another.

Reservoir

Anywhere the pathogen may live and multiply, either in the body or on objects within the environment.

Portal of exit

The path by which a pathogen leaves the reservoir to infect a susceptible host.

Mode of transmission

The method by which a pathogen is spread to a susceptible host.

Portal of entry

The way in which a pathogen enters a susceptible host.

Immunocompromised host

A host with a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.

Antimicrobials

Medications used to treat infections by targeting bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Hand hygiene

A critical practice for infection prevention involving washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs.

Cross-infection

An infection resulting from pathogens transmitted from one person to another.

Secondary infection

An infection that occurs following a primary infection, often due to weakened defenses.

Primary infection

The initial infection caused by a pathogen.

Chronic infection

An infection lasting longer than 12 weeks, often with persistent symptoms.

Acute infection

An infection that resolves in a few days or weeks.

Nutritional status

An important factor influencing an individual's susceptibility to infection.

Isolation precautions

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infection from an infected individual to others.