Infection Control and Isolation - Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key infection control concepts, transmission modes, immune defenses, stages of infection, asepsis, sterilization/disinfection, standard and isolation precautions, protective isolation, and common healthcare-associated infections.

Chain of Transmission

The sequence by which an infectious agent moves from reservoir to susceptible host through a mode of transmission (agent, reservoir, exit, transmission, entry, susceptible host).

Direct contact transmission

Transmission of pathogens through physical person-to-person contact with an infected individual or their secretions.

Indirect contact transmission

Transmission via contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites) or shared equipment.

Droplets

Respiratory droplets greater than 5 μm in diameter that travel short distances (typically ≤1 meter) from an infected person.

Droplet nuclei

Small particles ≤5 μm in diameter that can travel farther than 1 meter and remain suspended in air.

Airborne transmission

Spread of small infectious particles through the air over longer distances, requiring special precautions (e.g., private room with negative pressure).

Susceptible host

A person at risk for infection due to factors that compromise defenses or increase exposure.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific first line of defense (barriers and general responses) that is active at birth and during inflammation.

Adaptive Immunity

Specific, acquired defense that targets particular pathogens and retains memory for faster future responses.

Incubation period

Time between exposure to an agent and the appearance of symptoms.

Prodromal period

Early signs and symptoms indicating the onset of illness, before full criteria are met.

Acute illness

The period when signs and symptoms are most prominent and the patient is actively ill.

Period of decline

Phase in which symptoms decrease and the patient begins to feel better.

Convalescence

Recovery period after an illness when the patient returns to health.

Local infection

Infection confined to a single area of the body; treated with topical or oral antibiotics.

Systemic infection

Infection that spreads via the bloodstream or lymphatics to affect the whole body; requires systemic treatment.

Medical Asepsis

Clean technique used in everyday care to reduce pathogens.

Surgical Asepsis

Sterile technique used during invasive procedures to prevent infection.

Sterilization

Process that eliminates all microorganisms, including spores (methods include autoclaving, dry heat, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, gamma radiation).

Disinfection

Process that reduces most or all microorganisms but does not necessarily kill all spores; two levels: high (spores may remain) and low (most bacteria destroyed).

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices applied to all patients, using PPE as needed (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, etc.) and strict hand hygiene.

Contact Precautions

Gown and gloves for care; additional PPE based on risk; limits on visitors; private room preferred.

Droplet Precautions

Mask, eye protection, gown, and gloves; maintain distance (about 2 meters) from the patient when possible.

Airborne Precautions

Use N95 respirator (or higher), goggles/face protection, gown, gloves; place patient in a dedicated Airborne Infection Isolation Room with door closed.

Protective Isolation

Standard precautions plus additional measures for immunocompromised patients; no fresh fruit or plants in the room.

Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired in healthcare settings, including CLABSI, CAUTI, SSI, and VAP.

CLABSI

Central line-associated bloodstream infection.

CAUTI

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection.

SSI

Surgical-site infection.

VAP

Ventilator-associated pneumonia.