Chapter 15 Infection Control - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering principles of infection control, microorganisms, chain of infection, aseptic techniques, standard precautions, and transmission-based precautions from DHO Health Science Chapter 15.

Microorganism

Also called a microbe; a small, living plant or animal not visible to the naked eye.

Nonpathogens

Microorganisms that are part of the normal flora and are beneficial in maintaining certain body processes.

Pathogens

Also called germs; disease-producing organisms.

Parasite

An organism that lives on or within another living organism and benefits by getting nutrients at the host's expense.

Aerobic organisms

Organisms requiring oxygen to live and grow.

Anaerobic organisms

Organisms not requiring oxygen to live and grow.

Cocci

Bacteria that are round or spherical in shape.

Bacilli

Bacteria that are rod shaped.

Spirilla

Bacteria that are spiral or corkscrew shaped.

Multidrug resistant

Also called a "superbug"; a bacterium that becomes resistant to several drugs.

Protozoa

One-celled animal-like organisms often found in decayed materials, animal feces, insect bites, and contaminated water.

Fungi

Simple, plant-like organisms that live on dead organic matter (for example, yeast and molds).

Rickettsiae

Parasitic microorganisms that rely on other living organisms in order to live.

Viruses

Smallest microorganisms, visible only using an electron microscope; cannot reproduce unless they are inside another living cell.

Ebola

A virus that causes hemorrhagic fever disease.

Hepatitis B

Also called serum hepatitis; caused by the HBV virus and transmitted by blood, serum, and other body secretions.

Hepatitis C

Caused by the hepatitis C virus, or HCV; transmitted by blood and blood-containing body fluids.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suppresses the immune system.

Helminths

Commonly called worms or flukes; multicellular parasitic organisms.

Endogenous

An infection or disease originating within the body.

Exogenous

An infection or disease originating outside the body.

Health care-associated infection (HAI)

An infection acquired by an individual in a health care facility.

Opportunistic

Infections that occur when the body's defenses are weak; unusual in individuals with intact immune systems.

Vaccines

Biological preparations used whenever available to prevent disease by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies.

Chain of infection

Factors that lead to the transmission or spread of disease.

Infectious agent

A pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause a disease.

Reservoir

An area where an infectious agent can live.

Fomites

Objects contaminated with infectious material that contains pathogens.

Portal of exit

A way for an infectious agent to escape from the reservoir in which it has been growing.

Mode of transmission

A way that an infectious agent can be transmitted to another reservoir or host where it can live.

Portal of entry

A way for an infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or host.

Susceptible host

A person likely to get an infection or disease.

Asepsis

Absence of disease-producing microorganisms.

Sterile

Free of all organisms.

Contaminated

Any object or area that may contain organisms or pathogens; containing infection or infectious organisms or germs.

Antisepsis

Aseptic control that prevents or inhibits growth of pathogenic organisms; not effective against spores and viruses.

Disinfection

Aseptic-control method that destroys pathogens but is not always effective against spores and viruses.

Sterilization

Process that results in total destruction of all microorganisms.

Bioterrorism

The use of microorganisms, or biologic agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals, or plants.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Protective barriers such as a mask, gown, gloves, and protective eyewear that help protect a person from contact with infectious material.

Standard precautions

Rules developed by the CDC to prevent the spread of infection.

Autoclave

Piece of equipment used to sterilize articles by way of steam under pressure or gas.

Chemical disinfection

The method of aseptic control in which substances or solutions are used to disinfect articles.

Ultrasonic units

Pieces of equipment that clean using sound waves.

Cavitation

Process in an ultrasonic unit where bubbles explode to drive cleaning solution onto the article being cleaned.

Surgical asepsis

Refers to procedures that keep an object or area free from living organisms.

Sterile field

An area that is set up for certain procedures and is free from all organisms.

Drop technique

Technique used for removing gauze pads, dressings, and small items from sterile wraps.

Mitten technique

Technique used for removing bowls, drapes, linen, and other similar items from sterile wraps.

Transfer forceps

Tool used to handle cotton balls, small items, or articles that cannot be removed by other sterile wrap techniques.

Communicable disease

Disease caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others.

Epidemic

Occurs when a communicable disease spreads rapidly from person to person and affects a large number of people at the same time.

Pandemic

An outbreak of disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects a high proportion of the population.

Transmission-based precautions

Methods or techniques of caring for patients who have communicable diseases.

Clean

Free from organisms causing disease.

Airborne precautions

Methods of infection control that must be used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei.

Droplet precautions

Methods of infection control that must be used for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by large particle droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, talking, or laughing.

Contact precautions

Methods of infection control that must be used for patients known or suspected to be infected with epidemiological microorganisms that can be transmitted by either direct or indirect contact.

Protective or reverse isolation

Technique used to provide care to patients requiring protection from organisms in the environment.