Medical Asepsis and Infection Control

Vocabulary-based flashcards covering medical asepsis, the chain of infection, standard precautions, and common infestations as discussed in the lecture.

Medical Asepsis

The practice of reducing or eliminating pathogens to prevent infection and the transmission of disease.

Clean

A state of being free from visible dirt, though not necessarily sterile.

Contaminated

A condition where an object has been exposed to pathogens and is potentially infectious.

Sterile

Completely free of all microorganisms, typically achieved for items like a surgical scope.

Bacteria

Microorganisms such as MRSA, C. difficile, and E. coli that are treated with antibiotics.

Viruses

Microorganisms like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and Influenza that are not treated with antibiotics.

Fungi

Microorganisms such as Candida, Ringworm, and Athlete's foot that are commonly found in immunocompromised individuals.

Parasites

Organisms like Scabies, Lice, and Bedbugs that spread through close contact.

The Chain of Infection

A process consisting of six links: Pathogen, Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, and Susceptible Host.

Pathogen

The first link in the chain of infection, representing the bacteria, virus, or fungus causing disease.

Reservoir

The second link in the chain of infection where the pathogen lives, such as a person, animal, or surface.

Portal of Exit

The third link in the chain of infection, referring to how the pathogen leaves the reservoir, such as through coughing or bodily fluids.

Mode of Transmission

The fourth link in the chain of infection, which describes how the pathogen travels via air, droplets, or contact.

Portal of Entry

The fifth link in the chain of infection, denoting where the pathogen enters a new host, such as the mouth, eyes, or a skin break.

Susceptible Host

The final link in the chain of infection, referring to an individual who is fatigued or immunocompromised.

Local Signs and Symptoms

Infection indicators at a specific site, including redness, swelling, warmth, pain/tenderness, or discharge/pus.

Systemic Signs and Symptoms

Whole-body infection indicators including fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, increased heart rate, and confusion or altered LOC.

Standard Precautions

The practice of treating all blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious regardless of the client's diagnosis.

Handwashing (Soap & Water)

A hygiene method required when hands are visibly soiled, when dealing with C. difficile, or after using the restroom; it involves lathering for $15$ to $20 \text{ seconds}$.

ABHR (Alcohol-Based Hand Rub)

The preferred, faster method of hand hygiene used when hands are not visibly soiled, requiring rubbing for approximately $20$ to $30 \text{ seconds}$.

Nitrile Gloves

The most common type of gloves used; they are latex-free and resistant to chemicals.

Vinyl Gloves

Inexpensive and less durable gloves used for light tasks.

Latex Gloves

Strong gloves that must be avoided in cases of known allergies.

Scabies

An infestation characterized by intense itching and red, winding lines on the skin; symptoms may take $4$ to $6 \text{ weeks}$ to appear.

Lice (Pediculosis)

An infestation spread via close contact or shared items like combs, identified by itching and visible nits on the hair shaft.

Bedbugs

Pests common in mattresses and headboards that often leave $3 \text{ bites}$ in a row, referred to as 'breakfast, lunch, dinner'.