Immunity, Inflammation, and Infection Review

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering basic immunity types, the four actions of the inflammatory process, signs of inflammation, infection control techniques, and precautions.

Innate (Natural) Immunity

Immunity that is present at birth and is specific to a species, race, or individual.

Acquired Immunity

Immunity that develops after birth as a result of the body’s natural immune responses to antigens or direct contact through illness or vaccination.

Inflammatory Process Action 1

Cardiovascular (Hemodynamic) changes involving the dilation of the capillary bed to increase blood flow, resulting in warmth and redness.

Inflammatory Process Action 2

Increased vascular permeability where protein-rich fluid flows through vessel walls into the interstitial space, resulting in swelling.

Inflammatory Process Action 3

Release of chemical mediators (prostaglandins, histamine, leukotrienes, cytokines, eicosanoids, and bradykinin) to trigger the response and mediate dilation, resulting in pain.

Inflammatory Process Action 4

Anti-inflammation mediated by Cortisol to slow the inflammatory process and protect the body from excessive or prolonged effects.

Calor

A local sign of inflammation meaning warmth.

Erythema

A local sign of inflammation meaning redness.

Edema

A local sign of inflammation meaning swelling.

Dolor

A local sign of inflammation meaning pain.

Leukocytosis

A systemic sign of inflammation characterized by a high White Blood Cell (WBC) count.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as Clean Technique; actions taken to limit the spread of microorganisms as much as possible, such as hand hygiene and sanitizing surfaces.

Surgical Asepsis

Also known as Sterile Technique; the elimination of microorganisms through physical or chemical sterilization for procedures like surgery or Foley catheter placement.

Health-Care Associated Infection (HAI)

An infection acquired within a healthcare facility, often involving strains that are more virulent and resistant to antibiotics.

MDROs

Multidrug-resistant organisms, such as Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VREs) and Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Standard Precautions

General infection control measures including hand hygiene, PPE (gloves), cough etiquette, and proper handling of laundry.

Contact Precautions

Precautions used for infections spread by direct or indirect contact (e.g., RSV, MRSA, VRE, Scabies, Lice); requires PPE: Gloves and Gown.

Droplet Precautions

Precautions for infections spread by droplets or dust particles (e.g., Influenza, pneumonia, rubella); requires PPE: Surgical mask, gown, and gloves.

Airborne Precautions

Precautions for infections spread through the air (e.g., TB, varicella, measles); requires N95 mask, gown, gloves, and a negative pressure room.

Immunodeficiency

A condition where the body’s self-defenses against foreign invasion fail to function normally; clinically indicated by a WBC less than $3500$.

Protective Precautions

Also known as Neutropenic precautions or Protective Environment; its purpose is to protect the compromised patient from contracting an illness.

Protective Environment Actions

Interventions for vulnerable patients including HEPA filtration, positive air pressure, and the exclusion of potted plants or live/dried flowers.

Autoimmunity

A breakdown in natural or self-tolerance where the immune system reacts against and destroys its own tissues.

Diaphoresis

Sweating; listed as a systemic sign of inflammation.