Infection Control (NUR 3028) Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the UCF NUR 3028 lecture on Infection Control.

Infection

Invasion of a susceptible host by pathogens or microorganisms, resulting in disease.

Symptomatic Infection

An infection in which clinical signs and symptoms are present.

Asymptomatic Infection

An infection in which clinical signs and symptoms are not present.

Colonization

Presence and growth of microorganisms within a host without tissue invasion or damage, growing on or in the host without interacting or inducing an immune response.

Communicable disease

Direct transmission of an infectious agent or process from one person to another.

Incubation period

The stage of infection measured from initial exposure to the appearance of the first symptom(s).

Prodromal stage

The stage of infection from the onset of non-specific symptoms to more specific symptoms, during which organisms grow and multiply and the individual is most infectious.

Full stage of illness

The stage of infection in which the host manifests specific signs and symptoms of disease.

Convalescent period

The stage of infection during which acute symptoms disappear and the individual recovers from the infection.

Bacteria

Single-cell organisms (aerobic or anaerobic) varying in size, shape, growth pattern, and replication, which are the most significant and prevalent pathogens in hospital settings.

Viruses

The smallest microorganisms that reproduce inside living host cells and are unaffected by antibiotics.

Fungi

Plantlike single-cell organisms found in air, soil, and water, such as mold and yeast.

Parasites

Microorganisms that live on or in other organisms.

Virulence

The ability of a pathogen to produce disease or the degree of damage caused to the host.

Reservoir

The source of infection where microorganisms multiply and await transfer to a susceptible host.

Portal of Exit

The means by which a pathogen leaves an infected individual.

Portal of Entry

The means by which a microorganism enters a susceptible host.

Vector borne Transmission

Transmission of pathogens from one host to another carried by blood-feeding insects and ticks.

Contact Transmission

Transmission occurring through the meeting of body surfaces with other bodies (direct) or contaminated objects (indirect).

Droplet Transmission

Transmission occurring when mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are exposed to secretions of an infected person.

Airborne Transmission

Transmission occurring when microorganisms are dispersed by air, then inhaled or deposited.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections occurring with the delivery of health services in a healthcare facility.

Exogenous Infection

A healthcare-associated infection arising from microorganisms outside the individual.

Endogenous Infection

A healthcare-associated infection occurring when a patient's normal flora becomes altered and an overgrowth occurs.

Iatrogenic Infection

A healthcare-associated infection resulting from a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure or test.

Asepsis

The absence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Standard Precautions

The minimum standard of care used for all clients when contact with potentially infectious bodily materials is possible.

Negative Air Flow

An isolation system that pulls air into the room and filters it through a HEPA filter before exhausting it outside, preventing contaminated air from entering non-contaminated areas.

Positive Air Flow

An isolation system that pushes air out of the room to protect immunocompromised patients from microorganisms in the environment.