Types of Isolation Precautions in Infection Control

These flashcards cover key concepts related to isolation precautions and infection control in a clinical setting, emphasizing necessary precautions, definitions, and examples of infectious agents.

Standard Precautions

Foundational layer of infection control applied to all patients, regardless of their infectious status.

Infection Control

Specific unit of study focusing on measures to prevent infection spread in healthcare settings.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Precautions used in addition to Standard Precautions when transmission mode is suspected or confirmed.

Contact Precautions

Used for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause illness or injury.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of maintaining clean hands to prevent infection spread.

Gown and Glove

PPE used in contact precautions when entering a patient's room.

Cohorting

Placing patients with the same infection in the same room.

C. diff

Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colitis.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, bacteria that have developed resistance to vancomycin.

Droplet Precautions

Used for infections transmitted by large particle droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Negative Airflow Room

A room designed to prevent airborne pathogens from escaping.

Spatial Separation

Keeping a physical distance between patients when sharing a room.

Procedure Mask

A mask worn to minimize the spread of droplets during patient transport.

Airborne Precautions

Used for infections transmitted by small airborne droplets that remain suspended in the air.

N-95 Respirator Mask

A type of mask designed to achieve a close facial fit and provide filtration of airborne particles.

Tuberculosis

A contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.

Measles

A highly contagious viral infection preventable by vaccination.

Smallpox

A viral disease eradicated through vaccination, formerly a major health concern.

Varicella

Chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection causing a blister-like rash.

SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a viral respiratory illness.

Handwashing

The act of cleaning hands with soap and water to remove contaminants.

Protective Clothing

Clothing worn to protect healthcare workers from exposure.

Used Linen

Bedding and clothing that has been used by patients and requires special handling.

Mucous Membranes

Thin layers of tissue lining body cavities that are open to the exterior.

Direct Contact

Physical interaction with an infected person or contaminated surface.

Indirect Contact

Contact with an infected person's environment or objects.

Infection Prevention

Strategies and practices designed to prevent the spread of infections.

Infectious Status

The state of being able to transmit an infection to others.

Medical Waste

Waste generated that may be contaminated and requires special disposal.

Isolation

The separation of individuals who are infected or suspected of being infected.

Aerosolization

The process by which particles are released into the air, creating a mist.

Coughing

An act that can produce droplets and potentially transmit infections.

Sneezing

An action that can disperse respiratory droplets containing pathogens.

Contaminated Surfaces

Surfaces that may harbor infectious agents.

Patient Placement

The arrangement of patients within a healthcare facility to prevent infection spread.

Disinfection

The process of cleaning to eliminate most pathogenic microorganisms.

Environmental Controls

Measures taken to improve safety and minimize risk within healthcare environments.

Respiratory Hygiene

Practices to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, such as using tissues.

Isolation Gown

A protective gown worn during patient care to prevent contamination.

Patient Transport

The act of moving patients from one location to another within a healthcare facility.

Procedural Protocols

Established methods for conducting various medical procedures.

Aerosol Generating Procedures

Medical actions that create aerosols and may spread infections.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of harmful bacteria or viruses from one surface or food to another.

Infection Risk

The potential for exposure to pathogens that could lead to infection.

Healthcare Setting

Any environment where healthcare is provided, including hospitals and clinics.

Clinical Setting

An environment where healthcare professionals diagnose and treat patients.

Infectious Disease

Illness caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Cough Etiquette

Practices to minimize the transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets.

Patient Safety

Minimizing the risk of harm to patients in care.

Microorganism

A microscopic organism, which may be a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite.

Surveillance

Monitoring and assessing infections to control their spread.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Written instructions to achieve uniformity in performing a specific function.

Patient Care

Services provided to individuals to maintain or improve their health.

Health Outcomes

The results of health care services and interventions.

Infection Surveillance

The ongoing systematic collection and analysis of health data.

Viral Infection

Infection caused by a virus, characterized by replication of the virus.

Bacterial Infection

Infection caused by bacteria, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Fungal Infection

Infection caused by fungi, often treated with antifungal medications.

Infection Control Measures

Protocols to prevent and manage the spread of infections.

Defensive Medicine

Practices that prioritize preventing harm to patients.

Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)

Infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions.

Infection Response Plan

A systematic approach to manage and mitigate infection risks.

Cleaning Protocols

Procedures established to ensure cleanliness in a healthcare environment.

Pneumonia

Infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs.

Influenza Virus

A contagious respiratory virus that causes influenza.

Healthcare Worker Safety

Measures to protect health care workers from exposure to occupational hazards.

Immunization

Process of administering vaccines to protect against infectious diseases.

Infection Prevention Committee

A group focused on evaluating and implementing infection prevention strategies.

Surveillance Data

Information collected on infection rates and outbreaks.

Pathogen

Any microorganism capable of causing disease.

Preventive Health Measures

Actions taken to prevent diseases or health issues before they occur.

Surgical Site Infection

An infection that occurs at the site of a surgical procedure.

Refusal of Vaccination

When individuals decline to receive vaccinations.

Outbreak Investigation

The process of identifying and managing infectious disease outbreaks.

Contact

C.diff

Contact

MRSA

Contact

VRE

Contact

Scabies

Contact

Lice

Contact and airborne

Singles

Contact

Conjunctivitus

Contact

Herpes simplex virus

Droplet

Diphtheria

Droplet

Pertussis

Droplet

Meningitis

Droplet

Streptococcal meningitis

Droplet

Influenza

Droplet

Rubella

Droplet

Mumps

Droplet and contact

Adenovirus

Airbone

Tuberculosis

Airbone

Measles

Airbone

Smallpox

Airbone

Varicella

Airbone

SARS ( severe acute RR syndrome)