ATC Infection control exam

Aerobes

Require oxygen to live.

Anaerobes

Require little or no oxygen to live.

Bacteria

Classified by their shape (morphology) under a microscope. Treated with antibiotics. Some are non-pathogenic (helpful), such as those in our intestines. If bacteria move to an area where they don't belong (e.g., after surgery), they can cause infection. People with autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to infections.

Viruses

Much smaller than bacteria. Depend on living cells to survive and replicate.

Fungi

Parasitic organisms that live in soil or on plants. Includes yeasts and molds. Examples: Athlete's foot, vaginitis, ringworm. Treated with topical, oral, or injectable antifungal medications.

Protozoa

Larger than viruses. Depend on host cells to survive and reproduce. Found in water and soil. Examples: Amoebic dysentery, trichomoniasis, malaria.

Rickettsiae

Parasites that usually live in fleas, lice, ticks, or mites. Can cause severe infections in humans.

Parasites

Organisms that live in or on another organism (the host).

Direct Contact

Pathogen moves directly from one host to another (person-to-person).

Indirect Contact

Pathogen takes an indirect path—through food, air, clothing, or surfaces—to infect another host.

Vectors

Carriers (insects, rodents, or small animals) that spread pathogens between hosts.

Chain of Infection

The sequence of events that allows infection to pass from one source or host to another.

Sanitization

Using antimicrobial agents on objects, surfaces, or living tissue to reduce microorganisms.

Disinfection

Using antimicrobial agents on non-living surfaces to destroy or deactivate microorganisms.

Sterilization

Kills all microorganisms and spores. Methods: Steam (autoclave), dry heat, or gas sterilization.

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Created by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Lists potentially infectious materials. Requires healthcare workers to treat all materials as infectious.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease.

Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000)

Requires employers to use safer medical devices to prevent needlestick injuries.

Isolation Rooms

Used to prevent the spread of infections: To contain contagious patients, or To protect immunocompromised patients. Signs indicate what type of isolation is used. PPE (gloves, gowns, masks, shoe covers, goggles) must be worn when entering.

Standard Precautions

Apply to all patients, regardless of diagnosis. Aim: Prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Include: Hand hygiene, PPE (as needed), Health policies, Cough etiquette.

Transmission-Based Precautions

Used in addition to Standard Precautions for patients with known or suspected infections. Include: All PPE, Isolated area (closed doors, restricted entry, etc.).

Hand Hygiene (CDC Guidelines)

Wash hands: Before and after eating, After using the restroom, When visible dirt or body fluids (blood, mucus, urine, feces) are on hands. Wash for at least 20 seconds.

\Infections that patients acquire while in the hospital or healthcare-associated infections.

nosocomial infections