Bloodborne Pathogens and OSHA Standards - Vocabulary Flashcards

Key terms and concepts from the lecture on Bloodborne Pathogens, OSHA standards, standard precautions, isolation precautions, and PPE practices.

Bloodborne Pathogen

An infectious agent present in blood or body fluids that can cause disease in humans.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards

Regulations that require an exposure control plan, annual updates, universal/standard precautions, engineering/work practice controls, PPE, hepatitis B vaccination, post-exposure care, hazard labeling, training, and medical records.

Susceptible

An individual at risk of infection because they lack immunity to a specific pathogen.

Host

An organism in which a pathogen lives and may reproduce; the person or organism that can be infected.

Non-immune person

A person lacking protective immunity to a particular pathogen.

Immune deficiency

Weakened immune system that reduces the body's ability to fight infections.

Immunosuppressed

Having reduced immune function, often due to drugs or disease.

Portal of Entry

The route by which a microbe enters the body (e.g., wound, skin/mucous membranes, IV lines).

Infectious Microbe

A microorganism capable of causing disease (bacteria, fungi, viruses, prions, protozoa).

Modes of Transmission

Paths by which pathogens spread: contact, airborne, vehicle (DUWL), and insect vectors.

Reservoir

Where a microbe lives and replicates (people, equipment, water, food, animals).

Chain of Infection

The sequence linking reservoir to susceptible host, including portal of exit, transmission, and portal of entry.

Portal of Exit

Where the microbe leaves the reservoir (e.g., coughing, sneezing, bleeding, feces).

Standard Precautions

Infection-control practices applied to all patients, covering blood/fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes; includes hand hygiene and PPE when needed.

Hand Hygiene

Washing hands; wash with soap and water if visibly soiled, or use hand sanitizer if not; performed between patients/ exposures.

No artificial fingernails

Policy prohibiting artificial nails to reduce contamination risk and protect glove integrity.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves, gowns, eye protection, and masks used to protect workers from exposure to body fluids.

Sharps disposal container

Puncture-resistant container (often red) for disposing needles and other sharps.

Do Not Recap Needles

Guideline to avoid recapping needles to prevent injuries.

Respiratory/Cough Etiquette

Practices such as masking and covering coughs to reduce transmission of respiratory droplets.

Isolation Precautions

Measures to prevent transmission of infectious agents: airborne, droplet, contact, or protective environment.

Airborne Precautions

Negative-pressure private room; N95 mask or equivalent that is FIT TESTED.

Droplet Precautions

Private room with a mask or respirator; maintain distance of about 3 feet from the patient.

Contact Precautions

Private or cohort room; gloves and gowns worn for direct/ environmental contact.

Protective Environment

Private room with negative pressure; patient wears a mask when leaving the room.

N95 Respirator

A fit-tested mask that filters airborne particles.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination offered to all workers with occupational exposure to reduce HBV risk.

Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up

Assessment and monitoring after a potential exposure to determine risk and next steps.

Labels and signs

Hazard communication through labels and signs to convey risks and required precautions.

Information and training

Education provided to workers about exposure risks and protective measures.

Medical and training records

Documentation of workers’ medical status and training related to occupational exposure.

Exposure Control Plan

Written plan outlining strategies to minimize occupational exposure; updated annually.

Engineering Controls

Physical measures (e.g., safety devices, sharps containers) to reduce exposure risk.

Work Practice Controls

Procedures to reduce exposure risk (e.g., proper handling, no recapping).

Gowns

Protective outerwear worn to prevent contamination from body fluids.

Eye Protection

Goggles or face shields to protect eyes from splashes or aerosols.

Masks

Face coverings used to protect against splashes or respiratory droplets.

Gloves

Protective hand coverings worn during patient care and exposure-prone activities.

DUWL (Dental Unit Waterlines)

Waterlines in dental equipment; can be a vehicle for transmission if contaminated.

Negative Pressure Room

A room with lower pressure inside to prevent contaminated air from leaving the space.

Private Room

A room reserved for a single patient to prevent cross-contamination.

Cohort Room

A room shared by patients with the same infectious disease.

Fit-tested

Certification that a respirator or mask fits the wearer properly to ensure protection.