Inflammation, Hemodynamics, Infection, and Surgical Site Infections (SSI)

Flashcards covering key concepts on inflammation, hemodynamics, infection, and surgical site infections.

Inflammation

The body’s second line of defense; a nonspecific protective response to injury or infection.

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Five signs: Heat, Pain, Redness, Swelling, and Loss of function.

Acute Inflammation

Immediate and short-term inflammation response to injury, lasting hours to days.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation due to ongoing irritants, lasting months to years.

Angiogenesis

Formation of new blood vessels to support healing.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to an injured area.

Increased Vascular Permeability

Allows plasma proteins and immune cells to exit the bloodstream into damaged tissue.

Histamine

Chemical mediator that triggers vasodilation and increases vascular permeability.

Cytokines

Proteins that regulate the immune response.

Thrombosis

Formation of a blood clot within a vessel.

Embolism

A clot that breaks loose and travels to block vessels in other areas.

Edema

Fluid buildup in tissues that can lead to compartment syndrome.

Shock

Critical drop in blood pressure and oxygen supply.

Sepsis

Life-threatening condition due to an extreme body response to infection.

Necrosis

Tissue death caused by infection or poor blood supply.

Surgical Site Infection (SSI)

An infection post-surgery, often caused by bacteria like MRSA.

Superficial Incisional SSI

Infection affecting skin and subcutaneous tissue, with signs of redness and pus.

Deep Incisional SSI

Infection affecting fascial and muscle layers, indicated by fever and wound separation.