Infection Control-Ch 19- Key Terms/COMPLETE

acquired immunity

immunity that is developed during a persons lifetime

acute infection

infection of short duration that is often severe

anaphylaxis

extreme hypersensitivity to a substance that can lead to shock and life threatening respiratory collapse

artificially acquired immunity

immunity gained through vaccination or medical intervention.

blood borne disease

disease that is caused by microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood

blood borne pathogens

disease causing organisms that are transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids

chain of infection

conditions that all must be present for infection to occur

chronic infection

an infection of long duration

communicable disease

a condition caused by an infection that can be from person to person or through contact with bodily fluids

direct contact

touching or contact with a patients blood or saliva

droplet infection

infection that occurs through mucosal surfaces of the eyes, nose, and mouth

immunity

the ability of the body to resist infections and diseases through specific defenses, either innate or acquired.

indirect contact

touching or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, which can transfer pathogens to an individual.

infection control

policies and practices designed to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings and to protect both patients and healthcare workers.

infection prevention

ultimate goal of all infection control procedures and policies

infectious disease

disease that is communicable

inherited immunity

immunity that is present at birth

latent infection

persistent infection that is not actively causing disease but can reactivate, “comes and goes”

naturally acquired immunity

immunity that occurs when a person has contacted an infectious agent and develops antibodies against it.

occupational exposure

any reasonably anticipated skin, eye, or mucous membrane contact or percutaneous injury involving blood or ant other potentially infectious materials

OSHA blood-borne pathogens (BBP) standards

guidelines designed to protect employees against occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens

pathogens

microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, that can cause disease.

permucosal

contact with mucous membranes, such as eyes or mouth

personal protective equipment (PPE)

items such as protective clothing, masks, gloves, eyewear, used to protect employees

standard precaution

standard of care designed to protect healthcare workers from pathogens that can be spread by blood or any other bodily fluids via exertion or secretion; expands on the concepts of universal precautions

universal precautions

guidelines based on treatment all human blood and bodily fluids (also saliva) as if they were infectious

virulence

strengths of pathogens ability to cause disease or infection, also known as pathogenicity.