Asepsis and Infection Control

These flashcards cover key concepts related to asepsis and infection control as discussed in the lecture.

Asepsis

Freedom from disease-producing microorganisms.

Medical Asepsis

Practices that reduce the number and transfer of pathogens, also known as 'clean technique'.

Surgical Asepsis

Practices used to keep objects and areas free from microorganisms, also known as 'sterile technique'.

Infection Cycle

The process consisting of six components that must be completed for an infection to occur.

Pathogen

A microbial organism with the ability to cause infection.

Chain of Infection

A cyclic process consisting of six components that allows infections to spread.

Leukocytosis

An increased white blood cell count, often indicative of infection.

Reservoir

A place where organisms can thrive and reproduce, such as in people, animals, soil, or inanimate objects.

Portal of Exit

The place where organisms can leave the reservoir, commonly through the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts.

Mode of Transmission

The way infectious organisms are transferred from one host to another, including direct and indirect methods.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause injuries and infections.

Tier 1: Standard Precautions

Used by healthcare personnel for all patients, assuming everyone has the potential for infection transmission.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections that develop as a result of medical care in any healthcare setting.

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

Bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

A bacterium that causes significant gastrointestinal infections, often related to antibiotic use.

Neutropenic Precautions

Protective measures used for immunocompromised patients to prevent infections.

Immunity

The ability of an organism to resist infection.

Inflammation

The body’s protective response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

Humoral Immunity

The aspect of immunity that involves antibodies produced by B-cells.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

The immunity that involves T-cells responding to infections.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Efforts to optimize antibiotic use to combat drug resistance.