Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing bloodborne pathogens, hepatitis viruses, HIV/AIDS management, PEP, standard precautions, and the chain of infection.

BBP (Bloodborne Pathogen)

A germ present in human blood or bodily fluid that can cause disease, including blood, semen, vaginal fluid, urine, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Non-Infectious Bodily Fluids

Fluids that are not infectious unless contaminated with blood, which include vomit, sweat, tears, and nasal secretions.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A bloodborne pathogen spread by blood and bodily fluids that is treated using antiviral medications, carries a $0.3\%$ risk of contraction after exposure, and eventually leads to AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

A disease with no cure that develops months to years after HIV infection, featuring S&S such as swollen lymph nodes, thrush (white patches in mouth), cancer, fever, weight loss, infections, and TB.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

A $4\text{-week}$ regimen with $2\text{--}3$ antiviral medications that should be started ASAP (within a few hours) and reduces the risk of seroconversion by up to $81\%$.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

The most infectious common bloodborne pathogen; an infection of the liver that has a vaccine, can survive outside the body for $7\,\text{days}$ (even in dry blood), and has an incubation period of $60\text{--}150\,\text{days}$.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

A bloodborne liver infection that has a cure called Sovaldi, which costs $\$1,000$ a day for $12\text{--}24\,\text{days}$.

Hepatitis D Virus (HDV)

A viral liver infection that only occurs in people who are already infected with HBV.

Hepatitis Symptoms

Initial symptoms of Hep B & C may be mild or absent, but general symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, dark urine, and light stool.

Exposure Control Plan

An OSHA standard plan that all employers must have to protect workers against bloodborne pathogen hazards.

Chain of Infection

The multi-step process of infection transmission consisting of: Susceptible host, Infectious Agent, Reservoir, Means of exit, Mode of Transmission, and Means of entry.

Wet Time

How long it takes for a disinfected patient care surface or equipment to dry and be disinfected properly during daily cleaning.

Standard Precautions

Essential precautions consisting of gloves for every patient contact, face mask for coughing patients, full gown for trauma patients and delivering babies, and eye protection or face shield for airway management.

Three Types of Precautions

The three main categories of transmission-based precautions: Airborne, Droplet, and Contact.