pt1. 17/18

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and abbreviations from Chapter 16: Preventing Infection, including infection control concepts, microorganisms, transmission, disinfection/sterilization, and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.

AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; the late stage of HIV infection with severe immune deficiency and opportunistic infections.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus; the virus that attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS.

MDRO

Multidrug-resistant organism; microbes that resist multiple antibiotics, making infections hard to treat.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus aureus resistant to common antibiotics; can cause wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.

VRE

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; Enterococcus species that are resistant to vancomycin and can cause urinary tract, wound, and other infections.

C. diff

Clostridioides difficile; bacterium causing GI infections and diarrhea, often in healthcare settings.

cm

Centimeter; unit of length equal to one hundredth of a meter.

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. federal agency that regulates environmental safety and disinfectants.

OPIM

Other potentially infectious materials; body fluids that may contain bloodborne pathogens.

GI

Gastrointestinal; relating to the stomach and intestines.

HAI

Healthcare-associated infection; infection acquired in a healthcare setting.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration; U.S. agency that sets safety standards, including the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.

PPE

Personal protective equipment; protective gear used to prevent exposure to hazards.

HBV

Hepatitis B virus; a bloodborne pathogen that can cause liver infection.

Bacteria

1-celled organisms that multiply rapidly and can cause infections in any body system.

Fungi

Plant-like organisms (mushrooms, yeasts, molds) that can infect skin, mucous membranes, and other body areas.

Protozoa

1-celled animals; can infect blood, brain, intestines, and other body areas.

Rickettsiae

Microorganisms found in fleas, lice, ticks, and insects; transmitted by bites (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever).

Viruses

Microbes that grow in living cells and cause diseases such as the common cold, herpes, AIDS, and hepatitis.

Normal flora

Microbes that normally live in a specific area; non-pathogens in their natural reservoir; can cause infection if moved to a new site.

Reservoir

The place where a microbe lives and grows (humans, animals, soil, water, food).

Carrier

A person or animal that harbors pathogens without showing infection and can pass them to others.

Vector

An agent (usually an insect or animal) that transmits disease (e.g., dogs for rabies, mosquitoes for malaria, ticks for RMSF, mites for scabies).

Portal of Exit

The body’s exit route for pathogens from the reservoir (respiratory, GI, urinary, reproductive tracts; breaks in skin; blood).

Portal of Entry

The route by which pathogens enter the body; usually the same tracts as exit and breaks in skin or blood.

Source

The pathogen; the source in the chain of infection.

Method of Transmission

How a pathogen is passed to a new host; vehicles are substances that transmit microbes.

Disinfection

Process of killing pathogens; spores are not destroyed; used to clean surfaces and non-sterile items.

Disinfectant

A liquid chemical that can kill many or all pathogens except spores.

Sterilization

Destruction of all non-pathogens, pathogens, and spores; achieved by very high temperatures or other methods.

Autoclave

A pressure steam sterilizer used to sterilize glass, surgical items, and metal items; high temperatures can damage plastics.

Spore

A bacterium’s protective shell; spores are killed by very high temperatures.

Hand hygiene

Hand washing or sanitizing to remove or kill microbes; a key aseptic measure.

Aseptic measures

Procedures to prevent infection: hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and related practices.

Normal flora

Microbes that normally reside in a body area; non-pathogenic there but can cause infection if relocated.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

OSHA regulation protecting workers from exposure to HIV and HBV; includes safety measures and terms.

Exposure incident

Any eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIM; must be reported and followed by evaluation and testing.

Source individual

The person whose blood or body fluids are the source of an exposure; their blood is tested and laws govern confidentiality and results.