Chapter 17: Isolation Precautions Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to isolation precautions, PPE usage, and biohazard safety based on Chapter 17.

Isolation precautions

Measures taken to prevent the spread of communicable diseases (contagious diseases).

Clean

Areas or objects that are free of pathogens.

Dirty

Areas or objects that are contaminated with pathogens.

Standard Precautions

A tier of isolation precautions used for all persons whenever care is given to reduce the risk of spreading known and unknown infections.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The organization that issued the Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Protective measures including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used during isolation precautions.

Gowns

Disposable equipment that protects the body and clothes from splashes of blood or body fluids; they cover from the neck to the knees and are considered contaminated if wet.

Tuberculosis respirators

Specialized masks worn when caring for persons with tuberculosis (TB).

Goggles and face shields

Protective eyewear used to shield the eyes, mouth, and nose from splashes; the front (outside) is considered contaminated.

Biohazardous waste

Items that are contaminated with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions.

BIOHAZARD symbol

A symbol placed on leak-proof bags and trash containers used for contaminated items.

Double-bagging

The process of placing a contaminated bag inside a second bag, used if the outside of the first bag is wet, soiled, or contaminated.

Communicable diseases

Contagious diseases that can be spread to others.