Infection Prevention

Flashcards based on key concepts from the Module B Infection Prevention lecture notes.

Chain of Infection

The series of events that leads to the spread of infection, comprising six links: Causative Agent, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, and Susceptible Host.

Causative Agent

A harmful germ (bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite) that causes an infection.

Reservoir

Any place where harmful germs live and multiply, which can include humans, animals, or environments.

Portal of Exit

Any way that harmful germs escape from the reservoir, such as through the nose and mouth, skin, or gastrointestinal tract.

Mode of Transmission

The method by which germs are transferred, which can occur through direct contact, indirect contact, or through vectors (like insects).

Portal of Entry

Any opening on a person’s body that allows harmful germs to enter, such as the nose, mouth, and skin.

Susceptible Host

A person who is vulnerable to infection due to a lack of immunity or other risk factors.

Infection

A condition that occurs when harmful germs enter the body and multiply, leading to diseases such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.

Localized Infection

An infection limited to a specific body part with localized symptoms, such as pain, redness, warmth, and puffy areas.

Systemic Infection

An infection that affects the entire body, presenting symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and nausea.

Medical Asepsis

Also known as clean technique, it refers to practices used to remove or destroy microorganisms to prevent infection.

Standard Precautions

Basic infection prevention practices applied to all patients, treating all body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious.

Transmission-based Precautions

Additional infection control measures used in healthcare settings for specific types of infections, including Contact, Droplet, and Airborne precautions.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs to prevent the spread of infections.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Items such as gloves, gowns, and masks used to block harmful germs from coming into contact with skin and clothing.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Healthcare-Associated Infection

Infections acquired during healthcare delivery, also known as nosocomial infections.

Droplet Precautions

Infection control measures designed to prevent the spread of harmful germs that travel by air in respiratory droplets.

Airborne Precautions

Infection control measures designed to prevent the spread of germs that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods.

Outbreaks

Occurrences of diseases that spread rapidly within a specific population or area.