Infection: MRSA, CAUTI, HIV - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to infection control, pathogens, asepsis, HAIs, CAUTI, and HIV-related care and treatments from the notes.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a drug-resistant bacterium that commonly causes skin infections and other HAIs.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection; a UTI acquired in a hospital setting linked to urinary catheter use.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; retrovirus that attacks CD4+ T cells, leading to immune suppression; transmitted by blood, sexual contact, and perinatal routes; managed with antiretroviral therapy.

Hepatitis

Viral infection causing liver inflammation (types A–E) with varying transmission routes and chronicity.

Athlete’s foot

Tinea pedis; fungal infection of the feet causing itching and cracking.

Ringworm

Tinea corporis; fungal skin infection presenting as ring-shaped lesions.

Break in skin/mucous membranes

Any breach of skin or mucous membranes that increases infection risk by allowing pathogen entry.

pH imbalance (GI/GU tract)

Abnormal pH in the GI/GU tract that disrupts normal flora and barrier defenses, raising infection susceptibility.

Low WBC count

Leukopenia; reduced white blood cells, weakening immune defense.

Age (infants & elderly)

Very young and older adults have weaker immune responses, increasing infection risk.

Sex

Biological sex can influence infection susceptibility and patterns for certain pathogens.

Heredity

Genetic factors affecting immune response and infection risk.

Poor immunization, stress, fatigue, poor nutrition

Factors that weaken immune function and increase infection risk.

Pre-existing conditions, meds, invasive devices

Chronic illness, immune suppression, or invasive devices that raise infection risk.

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique aimed at reducing pathogen spread (hand hygiene, clean environment, ordinary cleanliness).

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique aimed at eliminating all microorganisms; maintains a sterile field.

Sterile field

An area prepared to be sterile; only sterile objects allowed; distance rules apply to keep it uncontaminated.

1-inch border contaminated

Border around a sterile field (1 inch) is considered contaminated and should not be touched.

HAIs

Hospital-Acquired Infections; infections contracted within healthcare settings (e.g., CAUTI, SSI, CLABSI, MRSA, C. diff).

SSI

Surgical Site Infection; infection at the site of a surgical incision.

CLABSI

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection; bloodstream infection linked to a central venous catheter.

C. diff

Clostridioides difficile infection; antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colitis.

Standard Precautions

Infection control measures applied to all patients; assume all blood and body fluids may be infectious.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Additional precautions beyond Standard, based on specific infections (Contact, Droplet, Airborne).

Contact Precautions

Gown and gloves; used for MRSA, VRE, CAUTI, C. diff.

Droplet Precautions

Mask (and gloves/gown as needed); used for influenza, pertussis, diphtheria, meningococcus.

Airborne Precautions

N95 respirator or higher; negative-pressure room; used for TB, varicella, measles.

Red Man Syndrome

Infusion-related flushing reaction to rapid IV vancomycin administration; slow the infusion to prevent it.

Vancomycin

Glycopeptide antibiotic effective against MRSA; nephrotoxic/ototoxic risk; monitor trough/peak and renal function.

Linezolid

Oxazolidinone antibiotic active against MRSA and VRE; risk of thrombocytopenia and colitis; avoid certain interactions and tyramine foods.

Ciprofloxacin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotic for UTI, pneumonia, and skin infections; risk of tendon rupture and neuropathy; counsel hydration and avoid excessive caffeine/sun exposure.

Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Zosyn)

Broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic for severe pneumonia, sepsis, intra-abdominal infections; monitor renal function.

PureWick

External urinary drainage system as an alternative to indwelling catheters to reduce infection risk.

Condom catheter

External catheter for males to manage urinary incontinence; lowers CAUTI risk; requires proper penile skin care.

Indications for Catheter

Urinary retention, critical I/O, perioperative needs, wound healing, immobilization, end-of-life comfort.

Daily perineal care

Daily cleansing of the perineal area to reduce infection risk and maintain hygiene.

Maintain closed system

Keep the urinary drainage system closed to prevent contamination.

Remove ASAP

Remove the urinary catheter as soon as it is no longer clinically necessary to lower infection risk.

Urine culture

Laboratory test to identify the causative organism of a UTI and guide antibiotic therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Combination HIV medications that suppress viral replication and preserve immune function.

HIV transmission routes

Transmission through blood exposure, sexual contact, or vertical transmission from mother to child.