CH. 4 Infection control/Universal precautions

Universal Precautions

Guidelines to prevent transmission of infectious diseases

Bodily Fluids

Substances produced by the body that can transmit pathogens

Airborne Contamination

Transmission of pathogens through the air

Bloodborne Pathogens

Pathogens that are transmitted through contact with infected human blood

Body Substance Isolation

Using barriers to prevent contact with bodily fluids

Phlebotomy

The practice of drawing blood from patients

HBV

Hepatitis B virus, a bloodborne pathogen

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, a bloodborne pathogen

Exposure Incident

Contact with potentially infectious materials

Infection Control Practices

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections

Engineering Controls

Physical or mechanical devices to prevent exposure to pathogens

Protective Isolation

Isolating patients to protect them from pathogens

Medical Asepsis

The destruction of pathogenic microorganisms after leaving the body

Environmental Hygiene

Measures to maintain cleanliness in the environment

Reverse Isolation

Isolating patients to protect them from the outside world

Chain of Transmission

The process by which pathogens are transmitted from one person to another

Break the Chain of Transmission

Taking measures to stop the spread of pathogens

Work Practice Controls

Procedures to minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens

Biohazardous Materials

Materials that contain or may contain pathogens

Aseptic Technique

Practices to prevent the introduction of pathogens

Protective Equipment

Clothing or gear worn to protect against pathogens

Isolation Procedures

Protocols for isolating patients to prevent the spread of pathogens

Droplet Transmission

Transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets

Hand Sanitization

The act of cleaning hands with sanitizing agents

Hand Washing

The act of cleaning hands to prevent the spread of pathogens