Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)

Flashcards based on the lecture about Healthcare Associated Infections, covering key terms and definitions.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections acquired by patients during their stay in a hospital or another healthcare setting.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

A type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, commonly found in healthcare-associated infections.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

Enterococci that have developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin and are most often found in healthcare environments.

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

A bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and is often associated with antibiotic use.

Transmission

The way in which infections can spread from one person to another, which can include direct/indirect contact, respiratory droplets, and fecal/oral routes.

Standard precautions

Basic infection prevention practices that are used to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Decontamination

The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants from surfaces or equipment to prevent infection.

Antimicrobial resistance

The ability of microbes to resist the effects of medications that once effectively treated them.

Health care professional practices

Practices employed by healthcare workers to prevent the spread of infections, including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Isolation

The practice of separating infected individuals from non-infected individuals to prevent the spread of infection.