Infection Control & Bloodborne Pathogens Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering modes of transmission, stages and types of infection, bloodborne pathogens, OSHA safety rules, and medical/first aid terms based on the lecture notes.

Direct transmission

A mode of transmission where a pathogen spreads person to person through direct contact.

Indirect transmission

A mode of transmission where a pathogen spreads through an intermediate object, food, water, or surface.

Droplet spread

Transmission of pathogens via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking, etc.

Fecal-oral spread

Pathogen transmission from feces to mouth, often occurring through contaminated food, water, or hands.

Vector

A living organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries a pathogen to a host.

Airborne transmission

Transmission where tiny infectious particles remain suspended in the air and can travel farther distances.

Bloodborne pathogens

Disease-causing organisms spread through infected blood or body fluids.

Incubation stage

The initial stage of infection where infection occurs, but no symptoms are present yet.

Prodromal stage

The stage of infection where early, vague symptoms begin to appear.

Acute stage

The stage of infection where the strongest and most characteristic symptoms occur.

Decline stage

The stage of infection where symptoms begin to decrease.

Recovery stage

The final stage of infection where the body heals and returns toward normal.

HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)

A virus that primarily attacks the liver, can become a chronic infection, and has a preventive vaccine available.

HCV (Hepatitis C Virus)

A virus affecting the liver that can become chronic and cause long-term liver damage.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that attacks the immune system, particularly targeting T4/helper T cells, and can eventually lead to AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

The most advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely damaged immune system.

Retrovirus

A virus, such as HIV, that converts $\text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{DNA}$ using the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

T4 / Helper T Cells

Immune cells that help coordinate the body's immune response and are specifically attacked by HIV.

Monocytes/Macrophages

White blood cells involved in immune defense; macrophages function by engulfing pathogens and cellular debris.

Acute infection

An infection that develops quickly (abruptly) and usually lasts for a shorter period.

Chronic infection

An infection that continues or lasts for a long period, sometimes for months or years.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

A U.S. government agency that protects workers by establishing and enforcing workplace safety standards.

Universal Precautions

The practice of treating all blood and certain body fluids as if they are potentially infectious.

Exposure Control Plan

A written workplace plan explaining how to prevent and respond to exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

A law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in covered situations.

Post-exposure vaccination

A vaccination given after exposure has occurred to help prevent infection or reduce its severity.

Occlusive dressing

A type of wound dressing that creates an airtight seal over a wound.

Hydrocolloid dressing

A dressing that absorbs wound fluid and forms a gel over the wound.

Cross-contamination

The transfer of germs from one person, object, or surface to another.

Latex sensitivity

An allergic or hypersensitive reaction to natural rubber latex.

Contact dermatitis

Skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen.

Systemic reaction

A generalized reaction affecting the whole body rather than being localized to one area.

Biohazard

Biological material that presents a risk and may be harmful or infectious.

Sharps

Objects capable of cutting or puncturing skin, such as needles, scalpels, and broken glass.

Disinfection

The process of eliminating many disease-causing microorganisms from surfaces.

Disinfectant

A chemical product specifically used to disinfect a surface.