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Chapter 7. Asepsis and Infection Control

Terms in this set (48)

antiseptic
an agent that inhibits the growth of infectious microorganisms
asepsis
Absence of pathogenic microorganisms
carrier
a human or animal that is a reservoir for microbes but does not develop the infection
CDC
a government agency that formulates safety guidelines to help prevent and control the spread of infectious disease
contamination
the process of becoming unsterile or unclean
disinfection
This procedure uses chemicals that can destroy many pathogens but not their spores.
endogenous
originating from within the body
exogenous
originating outside the body
fomite
An inanimate object that may host and transfer pathogenic microorganisms.
health care-associated infection
This infection develops 48 hours after hospitalization or contact with another type of health care facility.
host
An organism that provides a source of energy or a suitable environment for a virus or another organism to live
infection prevention and control
practices and procedures that prevent the spread of infection
medical asepsis
Clean technique
microorganisms
any tiny entity capable of carrying on living processes; include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
reservoir
any natural habitat of a microorganism that promotes growth and reproduction
spore
the reproductive cell of some microorganisms such as fungi or protozoa
standard precautions
a set of guidelines set forth by the CDC to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and pathogens for moist body substances
sterilization
a process by which all microorganism, including their spores are destroyed
surgical asepsis
a group of techniques that destroy all microorganisms and their spores
vector
a living carrier for transmission of microorganisms
vehicle
the means by which organisms are carried about.
virulent
having the power to produce disease, of or pertaining to a very pathogenic or rapidly progressive condition.
mucous membranes
The_____ of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts provide primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms, as does intact skin.
six elements
An infection has potential to develop as long as the
______that compose the infectious chain are uninterrupted.
virulence
A microorganism's _____ depends on its ability to resist attack by the body's normal defenses.
infection
Age, poor nutrition, stress, inherited conditions, chronic disease, and treatments or conditions that compromise the immune system increase susceptibility to _____.
inflammatory response
The signs of local inflammation and infection are similar, but the _____ can occur in the absence of an infectious process.
surgical asepsis
_____ requires more stringent techniques than medical asepsis and is directed toward eliminating all microorganisms and their spores.
contamination
_____ of a sterile object or field occurs when it comes into contact with a wet surface that contains microorganisms or when it is exposed to airborne microorganisms.
CDC
The _____ recommends that health care workers consider all patients as infectious and to use standard precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to blood and body fluids.
aseptic
Following _____ principals is the key to a nurse's success in preventing patients from acquiring infection.
hand hygiene
Lack of _____ is the main cause of the spread of infections.
isolation transmission-based
_____ precautions are used to prevent personnel and patients from acquiring infections and prevent transmission of microorganisms to other people.
standard precautions
_____ are used with all patients because it is often unknown which patient have an infection. this included the use of barrier protection when appropriate.
surgical aseptic
If the skin is broken or if the nurse performs an invasive procedure into a body cavity normally free of microorganisms, _____ practices are followed.
health care-associated infections
The major sites for _____ include the urinary and respiratory tracts, the bloodstream, and surgical or traumatic wounds.
foreign materials
Proper cleansing requires mechanical removal of all _____from an object or area.
cultural
_____ influences play a major role in patient education and follow-up care.
a health care worker's hands, hospital equipment, or instruments
There are many methods of transmission of infection. Which is the best example of a vehicle of transmission?
perform proper hand hygiene before and after caring for a patient.
Health care providers today need to be aware that health care-associated infections are a serious problem. What is the most effective way to prevent health care-associated infections?
health care-associated
Your patient was admitted to the hospital 3 days ago with cardiac problems and now has bacterial pneumonia. This is an example of what type of infection?
N-95 respirator
Today the nurse is assigned to care for a patient who has tuberculosis. What equipment should the nurse routinely use when caring for this patient?
away from the nurse
A circulating nurse opens sterile packages while in the operating room. What is the most appropriate way to create a sterile field when opening the sterile package's top triangle?
"Lipping" of the bottle with its solution.
During surgery, the physician requests more sterile water. What action must the nurse perform before pouring the solution into the sterile container?
WBC
The nurse suspects that a patient has an infection. What lab value would the nurse assess to help confirm the suspicion?
risk for social isolation
A patient in contact isolation has a minimal amount of visitors, and the health care staff enters only when patient care is being performed. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?
Standard and Contact Precautions
The nurse is caring for a patient with a wound infection of the lower extremity. Which types of precaution would the nurse use when taking care of this patient?
infectious agent, reservoir, exit route, method of transmission, entrance, host
List the six elements that are necessary for infection. (Chain of infection)
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