Infection Control and Disease Conditions Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering disease terminology, pathogen classifications, transmission methods, types of immunity, and infection control procedures as outlined in Chapter 5.

Etiology

The study of the cause of a disease.

Pathology

The study of disease.

Diagnosis

The identification or determination of the nature of a disease or condition.

Prognosis

A prediction of the probable course and outcome of a disease.

Acute

A condition with a rapid onset and a short, severe course.

Chronic

A condition of long duration.

Remission

A period during which the symptoms of a disease subside or disappear.

Epidemic

A disease occurrence that exceeds the normal expectancy in a specific community or region.

Pandemic

An epidemic that is geographically widespread, occurring throughout a country or even the world.

Endemic

The constant presence of a disease or infectious agent within a given geographic area or population group.

Outbreak

A sudden rise in the incidence of a disease.

Exogenous

Originating from outside the body.

Endogenous

Originating from within the body.

Congenital

A condition existing at or dating from birth.

Degenerative

Characterized by progressive, often irreversible deterioration of cells and organs.

Opportunistic

An infection caused by a pathogen that does not normally cause disease in a healthy individual but takes advantage of a weakened immune system.

Nosocomial

An infection acquired in a hospital or healthcare facility.

Aerobic

Bacteria that require oxygen to live and grow.

Anaerobic

Bacteria that do not require oxygen to live and grow.

Facultative

Organisms that can live and grow with or without oxygen.

Flagella

Long, thread-like structures that provide motility (movement) for certain bacteria.

Spores

A thick-walled, resistant body formed within certain bacteria that is difficult to kill.

Pathogens

Microorganisms capable of causing disease.

Saprophytes

Organisms that live on dead or decaying organic matter.

Commensal

A relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.

Parenteral

A portal of entry involving the piercing of mucous membranes or the skin barrier.

Vector-borne

Transmission of a disease to a human by an animal or insect (vector).

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity or the strength of an organism in its ability to produce disease.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response in the body.

Antibody

A protein produced by the body's immune system in response to a specific antigen.

Inoculation

The process of introducing a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the production of antibodies.

Autogenous vaccine

A vaccine prepared from a culture of microorganisms which was obtained from the patient themselves.

Attenuated microbes

Microorganisms that have been weakened but are still alive for use in vaccines.

Sanitation

The process of making something clean and healthy by removing dirt and some microorganisms.

Sterilization

The total killing of all microbes, including bacterial spores.

Asepsis

The condition of being free from pathogenic microorganisms.

Disinfection

The process of obtaining a germ-free area by destroying most microorganisms, but not usually spores.

Critical Instruments

Invasive items that penetrate soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized (e.g., using autoclave or dry heat).

Semicritical Instruments

Items that come into contact with mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue; requires high-level disinfection.

Noncritical Instruments

Items that contact only intact skin; requires hospital-level disinfection.

Autoclave

A sterilization method using steam under pressure.

Bacteriostatic

An agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria without killing them.

Germicide

A substance or agent that kills microorganisms.

Antiseptic

A substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissue.

SOP

Standard operating procedures used to maintain infection control.

OSHA

Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency.

OSAP

Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures.