Fundamentals of Infection Prevention

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to infection prevention and the types and stages of immunity.

CAUTI

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection.

SSI

Surgical Site Infection.

CLABSI

Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection.

VAP

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia.

1 WAY TO PREVENT INFECTION

Hand Hygiene.

Innate Immunity

Immunity you are born with; first line of defense.

Adaptive (Acquired) Immunity

Immunity after exposure to diseases or vaccinations; second line of defense.

Active Natural Immunity

Body produces antibodies in response to exposure to a live antigen.

Active Artificial Immunity

Body produces antibodies in response to a vaccine.

Passive Natural Immunity

Antibodies passed from mother to baby through placenta or breast milk.

Passive Artificial Immunity

Immunoglobulins administered after exposure to a pathogen.

Susceptible Host

A host left with compromised defense mechanisms.

Portal of Entry

How the pathogen can get to the host (same as portal of exit).

Causative Agent

The pathogen (virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite).

Chain of Infection

The various links of infection including causative agents, reservoirs, portals of exit, modes of transmission, portals of entry, and susceptible hosts.

Mode of Transmission

How the pathogen can spread (contact, droplet, airborne).

Reservoir

Area where the pathogen can grow (humans, animals, food).

Portal of Exit

Means by which the pathogen can leave the reservoir (skin, mouth, blood).

Incubation Period

Time between entry of infectious agent into host and onset of symptoms.

Prodromal Stage

Stage when a person is most infectious, with vague and non-specific symptoms.

Illness Stage

Presence of specific symptoms and signs of disease.

Convalescent Stage

Recovery from infection.