Imbalances in Physical Safety and Protection: Infections

This flashcard set covers the vocabulary and key concepts regarding immunity, infectious disorders, and healthcare-associated infections as discussed in the Nursing II lecture.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms which may produce tissue injury and progress to disease, harming the host.

Exotoxin

An enzyme causing host cell destruction or death.

Endotoxin

An enzyme causing host cell damage; it is less potent and specific than an exotoxin.

Viruses

Microorganisms that need a live host cell to replicate by essentially hijacking the cell and interfering with its ability to function.

Fungi

Microorganisms similar to plants that are usually contained by the body's normal flora.

Protozoa/Parasites

Animal-like organisms spread via the fecal-oral route or through vectors.

Local Infection

An infection limited to a specific small area where the microorganism is located.

Disseminated Infection

An infection that has spread beyond the initial infection site.

Systemic Infection

An infection spread throughout the body, usually via the blood.

Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the blood stream.

Septicemia

A serious systemic infection, also referred to as "septic."

Incubation Period

The stage of the infectious process where the pathogen is replicating in the host but not causing symptoms of disease.

Prodromal Stage

The stage where non-specific symptoms appear, such as malaise, fever, myalgia, and headaches.

Illness/Acute Stage

The stage where the full impact of disease is felt as the pathogen replicates quickly and produces toxins.

Convalescent Stage

The stage of the infectious process when the infection is contained and the pathogen is eliminated.

Dysuria

Painful urination, which is a common manifestation of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Urosepsis

A systemic infection occurring when bacteria travel to the blood, often characterized by a fever of $100.4^{\circ}\text{F}$ or higher, malaise, and increased WBCs.

CAUTIs

Health-care acquired infections known as Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

Pyelonephritis

A complication of a UTI where bacteria travel to the kidney.

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium or AZO)

A bladder analgesic that turns urine orange.

BRAT Diet

A dietary plan for managing infectious diarrhea symptoms consisting of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and white Toast.

Emerging Infections

Infectious diseases with increasing incidence, such as West Nile Virus, Zika, SARS, and Ebola.

Lyme Disease

An infection transmitted via infected tick bites, often characterized by a bullseye lesion and diagnosed through ELISA and western blot tests.

Re-emerging Infections

Diseases thought to be eradicated that have resurged, such as Measles, Tuberculosis (TB), and Pertussis.

Health Care Associated (Nosocomial) Infections

Infections resulting from exposure to a microorganism in a healthcare setting, often due to invasive procedures.

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

A Gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria that produces foul-smelling loose, watery stools and has spores that can live on surfaces for up to $5\,\text{months}$.

Pseudomembranous colitis

A serious complication of a Clostridium difficile infection.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

An antibiotic used to treat mild-moderate C. diff infections orally, or severe infections intravenously.

Fecal microbiota transplant

A treatment therapy used for reoccurring Clostridium difficile infections.

HA-MRSA (Health-care associated MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus infection acquired in healthcare settings with risk factors like invasive procedures, surgery, or weak immune systems.

CA-MRSA (Community-associated MRSA)

MRSA infection that can look like a spider bite, presenting as boils, blisters, or abscesses with purulent drainage.

Decolonization

A medical intervention for MRSA using nasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine baths.

Vancomycin

The specific antibiotic therapy used for healthcare-associated MRSA or severe Clostridium difficile.

Toxic megacolon

A severe, potentially fatal complication of Clostridium difficile infection.

Leukocytes (WBCs)

A diagnostic marker in a urinalysis indicating the presence of an infection such as a UTI.

Bullseye lesion

A characteristic symptom of Lyme disease following an infected tick bite.