Infection Control Terminology

Droplet Precautions

• Procedures to prevent transmission of organisms spread by large particle droplets

• Methods to eliminate airborne pathogens

• Guidelines for hand hygiene in healthcare settings

• Protocols for managing contact with infected patients

Airborne Precautions

• Special isolation procedures used to prevent transmission of diseases spread by airborne droplet nuclei

• General hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infections

• Use of personal protective equipment to safeguard against bloodborne pathogens

• Quarantine measures for patients with contagious diseases

Infectious

• Capable of causing infection

• Not able to cause infection

• Only affects animals

• Only affects plants

Microorganisms

• Microscopic organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi

• Large organisms visible to the naked eye

• Organisms that can only survive in extreme conditions

• Organisms that are always harmful to humans

Incubation

• Time period between exposure to infection and appearance of first symptoms

• The process of developing a vaccine

• The stage of infection where symptoms are most severe

• The time taken for a disease to become contagious

Pathogens

• Organisms that promote health

• Disease-causing organisms

• Organisms that live in symbiosis

• Organisms that are beneficial to the ecosystem

Indirect Contact

• Transmission through contaminated object or person

• Direct transmission through air droplets

• Transmission through contaminated food or water

• Transmission through insect bites

Medical Asepsis

• Practices that reduce number and transfer of pathogens

• Techniques to sterilize surgical instruments

• Methods to enhance patient recovery

• Procedures for administering medication safely

Portal of Entry

• Way microorganisms enter the body

• A type of immune response

• A method of disease transmission

• A barrier to infection

Aerobic

• Organisms that require oxygen to survive and grow

• Organisms that can survive without oxygen

• Organisms that thrive in extreme heat

• Organisms that can photosynthesize without sunlight