Important Terms in Infection Control

1. 1. Define important words in this chapter • antimicrobial • an agent that destroys, resists, or prevents the development of pathogens. • autoclave • an appliance used to sterilize medical instruments or other objects by using steam under pressure. • bloodborne pathogens • microorganisms found in human blood that can cause infection and disease. • Bloodborne Pathogen Standard • federal law requiring that healthcare facilities protect employees from bloodborne health hazards.

2. 1. Define important words in this chapter • body fluids • tears, saliva, sputum (mucus coughed up), urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, pus or other wound drainage, and vomit. • carrier • person who carries a pathogen usually without signs or symptoms of disease, but who can still spread the disease. • catheter • tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to add or drain fluid. • C. difficile (C. diff, clostridium difficile) • a bacterial illness that can cause diarrhea and colitis; spread by spores in feces that are difficult to kill.

3. 1. Define important words in this chapter • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • federal government agency responsible for improving the overall health and safety of the people of the United States. • clean • a condition in which an object has not been contaminated with pathogens. • communicable disease • an infectious disease transmissible by direct contact or by indirect contact. • contagious disease • a type of communicable disease that spreads quickly from person to person.

4. 1. Define important words in this chapter • contaminated • soiled, unclean; having disease-causing organisms or infectious material on it. • cross-infection • the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another, or from one part of the body to another. • dehydration • an excessive loss of water from the body; a condition that occurs when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake. • direct contact • way to transmit pathogens through touching the infected person or his or her secretions.

5. 1. Define important words in this chapter • direct spread • method of transmission of disease from one person to another. • dirty • a condition in which an object has been contaminated with pathogens. • disinfection • a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying pathogens. • doff • to remove.

6. 1. Define important words in this chapter • don • to put on. • drainage • flow of fluids from a wound or cavity. • exposure control plan • plan that outlines specific work practices to prevent exposure to infectious material and identifies step-by-step procedures to follow when exposures do occur. • exposure incident • specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that results from the performance of an employee’s duties.

7. 1. Define important words in this chapter • fomite • an object that is contaminated with a pathogen and can spread the pathogen to another person. • hand hygiene • washing hands with either plain or antiseptic soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. • hand rubs • an alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands. • healthcare-associated infection (HAI) • an infection associated with healthcare delivery in any setting (e.g., hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory settings, or home care).

8. 1. Define important words in this chapter • hepatitis • inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma. • immunity • resistance to infection by a specific pathogen. • incubation period • the period of time between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time it causes visible signs and symptoms of disease. • indirect contact • a way to transmit pathogens by touching something contaminated by the infected person.

9. 1. Define important words in this chapter • indirect spread • method of transmission of disease from an object, insect, or animal to a person. • infection • the state resulting from pathogens invading and growing within the human body. • infection prevention • set of methods used to control and prevent the spread of disease; formerly known as “infection control.” • infectious disease • any disease caused by growth of a pathogen.

10. 1. Define important words in this chapter • isolate • to keep something separate, or by itself. • localized infection • infection limited to a specific part of the body; has local symptoms. • malnutrition • a serious condition in which a person is not getting proper nutrition. • medical asepsis • refers to practices used to reduce and control the spread of microorganisms, such as handwashing.

11. 1. Define important words in this chapter • microbe • a tiny living thing visible only by microscope; also called a microorganism. • microorganism (MO) • a tiny living thing not visible to the eye without a microscope; also called a microbe. • MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) • an infection caused by specific bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics. • mucous membranes • the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, and genitals.

12. 1. Define important words in this chapter • multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) • microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. • non-communicable disease • a disease not capable of being spread from one person to another. • non-intact skin • skin that is broken by abrasions, cuts, rashes, acne, pimples, lesions, surgical incisions, or boils. • normal flora • the microorganisms that normally live in and on the body and do not cause harm in a healthy person, as long as the flora remain in or at that particular area.

13. 1. Define important words in this chapter • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) • a federal government agency that makes and enforces rules to protect workers from hazards on the job. • pathogen • microorganisms that are capable of causing infection and disease. • perineal care • care of the genitals and anal area by cleaning. • PPE (personal protective equipment) • a barrier between a person and pathogens; includes gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, and face shields.

14. 1. Define important words in this chapter • reinfection • being infected again with the same pathogen. • resistance • the body’s ability to prevent infection and disease. • sanitation • ways individuals and communities maintain clean, hygienic conditions that help prevent disease, such as the disposal of sewage and solid waste. • Standard Precautions • a method of infection prevention in which all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (like abrasions, pimples, or open sores), and mucous membranes (lining of mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, or genitals) are treated as if they were infected with a disease.

15. 1. Define important words in this chapter • sterilization • a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including those that form spores. • surgical asepsis • method that makes an area or an object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique. • systemic infection • an infection that occurs when pathogens enter the bloodstream and move throughout the body; causes general symptoms, such as chills and fever. • transmission • the way and means by which a disease is spread.

16. 1. Define important words in this chapter • vaccine • a substance prepared from weakened or killed microorganisms that is used to give immunity to disease. • VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) • a strain of the bacterium enterococcus that is resistant to the powerful antibiotic vancomycin; infections occur when the bacteria enter the bloodstream, urinary tract, or surgical wounds.

17. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Define the following terms: • sanitation • ways individuals and communities maintain clean, hygienic conditions that help prevent disease, such as the disposal of sewage and solid waste. • infection prevention • set of methods used to control and prevent the spread of disease; formerly known as “infection control.” • microorganism (MO) • a tiny living thing not visible to the eye without a microscope; also called a microbe. • microbe • a tiny living thing visible only by microscope; also called a microorganism.

18. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Define the following terms: • infection • the state resulting from pathogens invading and growing within the human body. • pathogen • microorganisms that are capable of causing infection and disease. • localized infection • infection limited to a specific part of the body; has local symptoms. • systemic infection • an infection that occurs when pathogens enter the bloodstream and move throughout the body; causes general symptoms, such as chills and fever.

19. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Define the following terms: • healthcare-associated infection (HAI) • an infection associated with healthcare delivery in any setting (e.g., hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory settings, or home care). • drainage • flow of fluids from a wound or cavity. • infectious disease • any disease caused by growth of a pathogen. • resistance • the body’s ability to prevent infection and disease.

20. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Define the following terms: • communicable disease • an infectious disease transmissible by direct contact or by indirect contact. • contagious disease • a type of communicable disease that spreads quickly from person to person. • non-communicable disease • a disease not capable of being spread from one person to another.

21. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Define the following terms: • cross-infection • the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object, or place to another, or from one part of the body to another. • reinfection • being infected again with the same pathogen.

22. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • Maintaining clean conditions in order to help prevent the spread of disease is an important part of health care. This is known as sanitation. • In facilities, infection prevention is the set of methods used to control and prevent the spread of disease. Infection prevention is the responsibility of all members of the care team.

23. 2. Define “infection prevention” and discuss types of infections • REMEMBER: • Know your facility’s infection prevention policies and follow them. Quality infection prevention protects you, residents, visitors, and other staff members from disease.

24. 3. Discuss terms related to infection prevention • Define the following terms: • transmission • the way and means by which a disease is spread. • medical asepsis • refers to practices used to reduce and control the spread of microorganisms, such as handwashing. • clean • a condition in which an object has not been contaminated with pathogens. • contaminated • soiled, unclean; having disease-causing organisms or infectious material on it.

25. 3. Discuss terms related to infection prevention • Define the following terms: • dirty • a condition in which an object has been contaminated with pathogens. • disinfection • a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying pathogens. • sterilization • a measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including those that form spores.

26. 3. Discuss terms related to infection prevention • Define the following terms: • autoclave • an appliance used to sterilize medical instruments or other objects by using steam under pressure. • surgical asepsis • method that makes an area or an object completely free of microorganisms; also called sterile technique.

27. 3. Discuss terms related to infection prevention • Think about this question: • What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

28. 3. Discuss terms related to infection prevention • REMEMBER: • It is extremely important that you wash your hands after touching items in the contaminated or dirty utility room. This is an infection prevention practice that can help prevent the spread of disease.

29. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Define the following terms: • normal flora • the microorganisms that normally live in and on the body and do not cause harm in a healthy person, as long as the flora remain in or at that particular area. • incubation period • the period of time between the time a pathogen enters the body and the time it causes visible signs and symptoms of disease. • vaccine • a substance prepared from weakened or killed microorganisms that is used to give immunity to disease.

30. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Define the following terms: • immunity • resistance to infection by a specific pathogen. • direct spread • method of transmission of disease from one person to another. • carrier • person who carries a pathogen usually without signs or symptoms of disease but who can spread the disease.

31. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Define the following terms: • indirect spread • method of transmission of disease from an object, insect, or animal to a person. • fomite • an object that is contaminated with a pathogen and can spread the pathogen to another person. • body fluids • tears, saliva, sputum (mucus coughed up), urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, pus or other wound drainage and vomit.

32. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Define the following terms: • direct contact • way to transmit pathogens through touching the infected person or his or her secretions. • indirect contact • a way to transmit pathogens from touching something contaminated by the infected person. • mucous membranes • the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, and genitals.

33. Transparency 6-1: The Chain of Infection

34. Transparency 6-2: Portals of Exit

35. Transparency 6-3: Portals of Entry

36. 4. Describe the chain of infection • There are six links in the chain of infection: • Link 1: Causative agent • The causative agent is a pathogenic microorganism that causes disease. • Causative agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. • An infection prevention example for Link 1 is vaccines.

37. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Links in the chain of infection (cont’d.): • Link 2: Reservoir • A reservoir is where the pathogen lives and grows. • It can be a human, an animal, a plant, soil, or a substance. The blood and the lungs are examples of reservoirs. • An infection prevention example for Link 2 is to keep surfaces clean and dry.

38. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Links in the chain of infection (cont’d.): • Link 3: Portal of exit • The portal of exit is any opening on an infected person allowing pathogens to leave, including the nose, mouth, eyes, or a cut. • An infection prevention example for Link 3 is covering the nose and mouth when sneezing.

39. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Links in the chain of infection (cont’d.): • Link 4: Mode of transmission • The mode of transmission describes how the pathogen travels. The main routes of transmission are contact, droplet, and airborne transmission. • The primary route of disease transmission within the healthcare setting is on the hands of healthcare workers. • An infection prevention example for Link 4 is washing hands.

40. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Links in the chain of infection (cont’d.): • Link 5: Portal of entry • The portal of entry is any body opening on an uninfected person that allows pathogens to enter, including the nose, mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, cuts, and cracked skin. • An infection prevention example for Link 5 is wearing gloves.

41. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Links in the chain of infection (cont’d.): • Link 6: Susceptible host • A susceptible host is an uninfected person who could become ill. • A person becomes a susceptible host when his or her resistance to disease decreases. • An infection prevention example for Link 6 is staying healthy and protecting the elderly and ill from pathogens.

42. 4. Describe the chain of infection • Think about this question: • How many ways can you think of to break each link in the chain of infection?

43. 4. Describe the chain of infection • REMEMBER: • Only one link in the chain must be broken to stop the spread of infection.

44. 5. Explain why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection • Define the following terms: • catheter • tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening that is used to add or drain fluid. • malnutrition • a serious condition in which a person is not getting proper nutrition. • dehydration • an excessive loss of water from the body; a condition that occurs when fluid loss is greater than fluid intake.

45. 5. Explain why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection • REMEMBER: • Lack of thirst and appetite, illness, or medication may cause residents to become malnourished or dehydrated.

46. 5. Explain why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection • Changes of aging that cause older people to have a greater risk of infection: • Hospitalized more often • Recovery from illness takes longer • Infections more dangerous • Skin becomes less elastic, thinner, and is easily torn

47. 5. Explain why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection • Changes of aging that cause older people to have a greater risk for infection (cont’d.): • Limited mobility • Bones more brittle and more easily broken • Decreased circulation and slow wound healing • May require catheters or other types of tubing • At risk for malnutrition and dehydration

48. 5. Explain why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection • REMEMBER: • Using proper infection prevention methods to protect residents from infection is an important part of your job.

49. 6. Describe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and explain Standard Precautions • Define the following terms: • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • federal government agency responsible for improving the overall health and safety of the people of the United States. • isolate • to keep something separate, or by itself. • Standard Precautions • a method of infection prevention in which all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin (like abrasions, pimples, or open sores), and mucous membranes (lining of mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, or genitals) are treated as if they were infected with a disease.

50. 6. Describe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and explain Standard Precautions • REMEMBER: • Standard Precautions must be used with every resident in your care. • When practicing Standard Precautions, you must you treat blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as if they were infected.