Dynamics of Healthcare: Chapter 18 Key Terms

Microorganism

a microscopic organism that is too small to be seen by the unaided human eye

Bacteria

a single-cell organism that multiplies rapidly and is classified by shape and arrangement

Viruses

non-living microscopic particles that attack healthy cells within living things, and inject their own DNA structure into healthy cells where new ones will grow.

Fungi

a low form of plant life; it grows in groups or colonies on other organisms

Aerobic

requiring oxygen to live

Anaerobic

does not require oxygen to live

Nonpathogenic

a microorganism that is living without causing harm to another organism

Pathogenic

a microorganism causes disease or harm to another organism

Host

the person to whom a pathogen is transported after leaving the reservoir host

Carrier

a person infected with a pathogen

Normal Flora

microorganisms that usually live in a certain location of the body

Infection

a state of disease caused by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the body

Spore

a cell involved in reproduction that certain fungi, plants, and bacteria produce

Reservoir

the person who is infected with the pathogen, also known as the carrier of the disease

Portal of Exit

the path by which a pathogen leaves the host such as the nose, throat, mouth, ear, intestinal tract, urinary tract, and wounds

Means of Transmission

means by which organisms are carried about such as hands, equipment, instruments, china and silverware, linens, and droplets.

Portal of Entry

part of the body where organisms enter such as any breaks in the skin or mucous membrane, mouth, nose, and genitourinary tract

Susceptible Host

a person whose body cannot fight off organisms once it enters the body and who therefore usually becomes ill

Incubation Period

the period between the infection of an individual by a pathogen and the manifestation of the illness or disease it causes

Period of Communicability

the time period during which an infected person can spread their infection to others

Fomite

inanimate objects that can carry and spread disease and infectious agents

Direct Contact

contact between the infected reservoir host and a susceptible host

Indirect Contact

contact with a vehicle known as a vector

Airborne

spreads from person to person through droplets in the air

Droplet

A small drop, such as a particle of moisture discharged from the mouth during coughing, sneezing, or speaking; these may transmit infections while airborne to others

Nosocomial Infection

a new infection acquired in a health-care facility that is not attributable to a patient's original condition

Asepsis

the state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms

Sepsis

the body's extreme response to an infection

Contaminated

to make something unclean by contact or mixture

Sterile

Free from all live bacteria or other microorganisms and their spores

Sterile field

the germ-free area around a surgical patient where the operation is performed

Aseptic Technique

measures taken to control and reduce the number of pathogens present in an area or on an object

Standard Precautions

a set of procedures recognized by the CDC to reduce the transmission of microorganisms in any health care setting

PPE

(Personal Protective Equipment) Specialized clothing or equipment used by workers to protect themselves from direct exposure to blood or other potentially hazardous materials to avoid injury or disease

Biohazard

A general term for pathogenic bacteria, viruses or other dangerous biologic agents

Sterilization

an infection control method by which all forms of microorganisms, including spores, are destroyed on inanimate objects and surfaces, sterilization is the highest level of infection control

Autoclaves

An apparatus for sterilization by the use of steam under pressure

Bactericides (Disinfectants)

An agent that destroys bacteria

Antiseptic / Bacteriostatic Agent

agents commonly used to disinfect wounds or cuts

OSHA

(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) the main federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of workers through the enforcement of safety and health legislation

CDC

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) a U.S. government agency dedicated to the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability

Incident Report or Exposure Report

a document completed by health care providers when a patient or a provider has been exposed to a biohazard

Sanitizing

to make something sanitary by cleaning or disinfecting