Foundations Exam 1 Flashcards
(240 cards)
infection
invasion of a susceptible host by pathogens or microorganisms, resulting in disease
colonization
occurs when microorganism invades host but does not cause infection
patients in healthcare settings are at increased risk for acquiring infection because…
lower resistance to pathogens, increased exposure, invasive procedures, resistance
symptomatic
infection accompanied by clinical symptoms
asymptomatic
infection without clinical signs/symptoms
most important technique used in preventing and controlling the transmission of infection
hand hygiene
the CDC now recommends what as an alternative to hand washing?
alcohol-based waterless antiseptics (unless hands are visibly soiled)
Explain the chain of infection.
Host > Infectious agent > Reservoir > Portal of exit > mode of transmission > portal of entry > repeat.
Susceptibility to an infectious agent depends on…
An individual’s degree of resistance to pathogens
Reservoir
A place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host
Exit portal
a source of exit from the reservoir
examples of exit portals
skin wounds, respiratory tract, urinary tract, blood, GI tract
immunocompromised
having an impaired immune system
virulence
the ability to produce disease
aerobic bacteria
require oxygen for survival and for enough multiplication to cause disease
anaerobic bacteria
thrive on little or no free oxygen
bacteriostasis
prevention of growth and reproduction of bacteria
bactericidal
destructive to bacteria
Four stages of the infectious process
incubation period, prodromal stage, illness stage, convalescence stage
incubation period
time between pathogen entry and first symptoms. patient contagious, but don’t know it (dangerous stage).
prodromal stage
time from development of nonspecific signs and symptoms to development of more specific signs and symptoms
illness stage
time when patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection
convalescence
time when acute symptoms disappear
what precautions do you take when an infection becomes localized?
standard precautions, PPE, and hand hygiene to prevent spread to other body areas