Development of Disease and Nosocomial Infections

Vocabulary flashcards covering predisposing factors, stages of disease progression, hospital-acquired infections, and ESKAPE pathogens based on the lecture notes.

Predisposing Factor

Factors which make the body more susceptible to a disease and may alter the course of the disease, such as climate, weather, inadequate nutrition, fatigue, age, environment, preexisting illness, lifestyle, occupation, chemotherapy, and emotional disturbances.

Incubation Period

A latent stage in disease progression following exposure in which no signs or symptoms are apparent and pathogen numbers are low.

Prodromal Period

A stage in disease progression where pathogen numbers are building and signs and symptoms are usually mild and non-specific.

Invasive Phase

The phase of disease progression where the disease process reaches its peak with fully developed signs and symptoms.

Acme (Acute/Clinical Stage)

The most severe phase or critical crisis of a disease where signs and symptoms are at their strongest or peak.

Decline Period

The period of disease where signs and symptoms decline, patient immune response and products reach their peak, and the body gradually returns to normal.

Convalescence Period

A rehabilitation stage when the patient progresses towards recovery after termination of the disease, regaining normal health with no signs or symptoms evident.

Nosocomial Infections

Any infection acquired because of a hospital stay that does not show any evidence of being present or incubating at the time of admission.

CLABSI

Central line-associated bloodstream infections.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

SSI

Surgical site infections.

VAP

Ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Hand Hygiene

The most important aspect of infection control and prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HAI).

ESKAPE Pathogens

A group of pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) that are leading causes of nosocomial infections worldwide and are mostly multi-drug resistant isolates.